PR 5103 
,N275 Y4 

1872 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



QD00mi273fl 







U LIS '^4 

■It. 

DOBELL COLLECTION 




J 






f]' LJL7 







YELLOW *M>PteTT 



A MELODRAMA, 

IN PROLOGUE, AND FOUR ACTS. 



<^ 



Taken from M. Victor Hugo's Work, 
<Les Miserables.' 

BY 
Mr. HENBY NEVILLE. 



CCC»3£®Q0 

ENTERED AT STATIONER'S HALL, 

PRINTED, 

AT HOME, FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION.. 

1872, 



205449 
'1.3 






TO MY FEIENDS. 

The 'failures' which were produced about the time, 
when I was reading Victor Hugo's admirable book, 'Les 
Miserables', inspired me with the hope, that I might 
write as good a 'failure' as the rest — accordingly, I put 
together the present work, which disappointed the 
premise ; for, the Yellow Passport was a success. 

I must apologize for the liberties I have taken with 
the great original, which is, beyond expression, clever 
and entertaining ; but too much elaborated, and scat- 
tered for Dramatic purposes — I had, therefore, to alter 
motives, characters, incidents — create relationships — 
introduce scenes — and, generally upset the balance of 
Victor Hugo's work — this is monstrous! — but, be it 
observed, I don't produce the 'Yellow Passport' as a 
translation, or adaptation; I, 'prudently, advertise 'a 
Drama, taken from Les Miserables.' 

The Critics were merciful — thanks to them ! — Some 
complained that I had not given a second motive for 
the Hero's fear of detection. Attention to the dialo- 
gue will show, that every bearer of a Yellow Passport, 
{ a French Ticket-of-leave ) must, periodically, report 
himself — if he fail, so to do, he is again a criminal, 
and within the 'pale of the law.' This, surely, is rai- 
son le plus — Valjean is in this position — and,great- 
ter dramatic interest is created, by cruel persecution, 
for trifling offences. 

H. a. X. 



THIS DRAMA 

Is the property of Mr. Henry Neville; and, 

cannot be played without his written permission* 

Applications to be made, at the 

Garrick Club, Covent Garden, London. W. G. 



=~<c£OS^»- 





EEEATA. 




'age 2. 


For great-ter, Read 


great-er 


... 21. 


... accuunt, 


account 


... 25. 
... 28. 
.r. 30. 


... gaily,. 
... drily, 
... Thenedier 


gayly 
dryly 
Thenadier 


... 30. 


. . . sonstraint 


constraint 



<*&$&* 



fSE YELLOW PASSPOBT. 

First 'performed at the Royal Olympic 
Theatre, under the Management, of Benjamin 
Webster, Esq. 1th. November 1868. 

CHAEACTEES, DESCEIPTIONS, &c. &c. 

Bishop Myri'el, ( / treated, trusted you, and 
thought you mine — When, in requi- 
tal of my best endeavours, Yoii tre- 
cherously practised to undo me. ) 
Mr. Neville. 
Thenadier, (alias Jondrette, and Fabanteau, 

Landlord of the 'Serjeant of Toulon' ) 

Mr. Gr. Vincent. 

Jean Valjean, (afterwards Madeleine, and Leblanc. 
'It was night with him — dark, terri- 
ble, and starless — and he saw not 
Heaven's goodness watching beyond. 
Faith and Hope were dead ! words 
were spoken which gave him both.' ) 
Mr. Henry Neville. 

Javert, ('A man of stern probity, whose very name 
is a terror to criminals ; he would have 
arrested his own father had he found him 
escaping from justice.' ) Mr. H. Wigan. 

M. Gillenormand, ( A wealthy Citizen ) 

Mr. J. G-. Taylor.. 

M. Marius, ( his Grandson ) Mr. H. Vaughan. 

Champmathieu, ( 'One of a scattered family — 

rough, stupid, and startled.' ) Mr. E. Atkins, 



Montparnasse. 
Verbois. 
Brevet. 
Cochepaille. 



President. 

Counsel for Prosecution. 

Counsel for Defence. 

L T sher. 

Serjeant of (xendarmes. 



Fantine, afterwards Cosette. 

( 'Child of Earth, with the gold-en hair. 
Thy soul's too pure and thy face too fair 
To dwell with the creatures of mortal 

mould, 
WJtose lips are warm, as their hearts 
are cold: ) Miss Furtado. 

Magloire Miss Lennox GrRAY. 

Madame Thenadier Mrs. Caulfield. 

Cosette ( in 2nd. Act ) Miss Williams 

Eponine, & Azelma, ( Children ) 

Male & Female Peasants — Pedlars — Guests— 
Gendarmes — &c. &c. &c. 



COSTUMES OF THE PERIOD. 
1795—1800—1810. 



«cc>2<^»>- 



EXPLANATION OF TERMS. 



K. Right — L. Left — C. Centre — U. E. Upper 

Eatrance — Picture. Positions sustained — Aside, 

Away from the Actors. 



-*s£ft 






London N. W» 



THE YELLOW PASSPORT. 



— <^S^3o> — 

PKOLOGUE. 

SCENE. — Town of Digne — Interior of the 
Bishop's House R. — Exterior of Thenadier's 
Inn L. — with Steps and Verandah — sign 
over door 'Serjeant of Toulon' — Tables and 
stools before Inn — 

The Bishop's Room is scrupulously 
clean and comfortable — a bright fire R. — 
door R. C. with steps, door R. — window 
overlooking Street — alcove, with bed, at back 
— Table and Chairs C. — Prie-dieu G. back 
— Candles in Silver Candlesticks — 

Street between houses, with Cross C* 
Church in distance — Sunset — 

MUSIC — Montparnasse and Verbois 
discovered, drinking and playing Dominoes 
L. — 3 men, & 2 girls, laugh, drink, pay and 
Exeunt R. U. E. — People pushing to and 
fro — Epo. and Azelma skip on from IT. E, 
L. and play together by Cross — 

Thenadier Enters from Inn, and 
takes money, clears table, &c. 

Magloire R. keying table for 
Bishop's supper — 

Note ! The whole of this business must 

be brisk and spirited I 

Mag. Oh ! such a scarecrow ! — walked ten leagues 

too— he went into Jaques' kitchen, but they soon told 

him to be off — I warrant he looked wild and sulles. 



[ 6 1 
enough. Eeally one is never safe — one ought to have 
bolts and bars — one might be murdered before one had 
time to say — Oh ! (shudders) It's enough to make a 
body shudder — only think to see a man walk into your 
bedroom, and hear him say 'Hold your tongue' and 
then begin to cut your throat — and their knives not 
sharp perhaps — dear ! dear ! 

Madame Thenabier, {from door L. ) That's right 
you little darlings — show your pretty shining cheeks 
and bring more customers to the 'Serjeant oi Toulon'* 
Bless 'em, ain't they the very picture of their mother 
and father ?— come and kiss your mum mum. 

Epo. I shant. 

Mad. T. Dont they speak prettily — the little dar- 
lings? bless 'em. [dodged them round cross, and 
Exit into house'] 

Champmatieu. An ill-looking stranger indeed — 
that's nothing — there are few worse looking than our 
worthy landlord here. 

Then. None of your -pleasant jokes, Champmatieu. 
What about this ill-looking stranger r 

Veebois. He asked me to give him a lift, but I had 
had enough of him, and quickened my pace, I can tell 
you. I saw him after at the Mayor's office — he had 
been to show his Passport. 

Mad. T. [Re-entering] Suppers ready, my good men. 
Then. Come in — all sorts of comfort at the 'Serjeant 
of Toulon'— 

Champ. Or anywhere else if you pay for them— '- 
that's my experience. [Exeunt into Inn.] 

MUSIC. Enter Fantine L. U. E, she is very 
weary and worn — she carries Cosette, her 
child, about two years old — she svnhs on 
steps of cross. Music ceases. 



[ 7 ] 

Fan. Oh ! — So weary — three leagues to-day, and my 
little one weary- worn as it's mother. Poor fatherless 
darling — cradle! by love — how sweet the sleep of inno- 
cence in a mother's arms : you only bind me to life — 
since he has deceived and deserted me. (weeps) Cruel- 
cruel — to tell me it was a false marriage, and cast me, 
and my Cosette, on this cold, hard world — but I'll work 
for you my child tho' we have no friend — no brother — 
but one hope left, (looks above) 

Epo, & Azelma^ from L. 1 E. run to Fantine. 

Fan. What pretty children. 
Mad. Thenadier from Inn. 

Mad. T. (calling) Epo. Azelma — come in dears — 
who's this f 

Fan. Are they your children, Madame ? 

Mad. T. {proudly) Yes, that they are ! mine. 

Sits on steps, and ties Epo's ribbons. 

Fan. How happy they seem — and my poor little one — 

Mad. T. What's her age ? 

Fan. Two— going on for three : look Gosette, look 
&t these dear little girls. (Children group together) 

Mad. T. Bless her little heart Come in, my good 
woman — here's a fire : all sorts of comfort at the 'Ser- 
jeant of Toulon'. 

Fan. The old sign is gone then — I have been here 
before — yonder is the good Bishop's, is it not,? I have 
-come far— (7ecms on cross, ivearily) 

Mad. T. Look at the little dears — why, they might 
be taken for three sisters — 

_ Fan. Sisters ! (seizing Madame 's hand, with emo- 
tion) You love children ? — 

Mad. T. Yes, bless 'em. 

Fan. And you are good to them ! Oh ! Madame. wM 



L § ] 
yon take charge of my child for me ? 

Mad. T. (amazed) What! 

Fan. It was heaven that made me pass yonr Inn — 
when I saw your children, so pretty, so clean, it gave me 
quite a turn — I said to myself, their mother must be 
good — I shall not be long before I come back — ivill 
you take care of my child ? 

Enter Thenadier from Inn,, 

Mad. T. The girl must be mad. (going) 

Fan. I will pay* 

Mad. T. (stops) Oh ! How much ? 

Fan. Six francs a month. 

Thenadier, who has overheard, speaks from door* 
Can't be done under seven, and six weeks in advance. 
(counting on fingers) Six times seven, are forty two. 

Fan. I will pay it — I have eighty francs — I shall 
have enough left to finish my journey on foot — I shall 
earn money then, and as soon as I have saved a little, 
I will return and fetch my darling. 

Then, (coming down) Has the little one clothes ? 

Mad. T. This is my husband, {goes to children) 

Fan. I guessed so, Madame. Plenty, sir — little 
silk frocks, like a lady — here — (shows bag) 

Then. They must be handed over. 

Fan. Of course, it would be wrong to leave my child 
Without. 

Then. All right then, give us what you've got-— - 
come in — (Epo. & Azel. run in) Let your father go 
first. Exit Thenadier, Madame T. is taking Cosette. 

Fan. Let me have her now — I shan't have her by-& 
*bye — (embraces Cosette, Exit Madame,) MUSIC. 
Let me look at her bright blue eyes — my little Cosette, 



[ 9 1 

I am forced to leave you — but only for a time tho' (&V 
sea her) — only for a time. Exit into Inn. 

Maglqire, ( who has finished laying cloth, dec. ) 
There : — it's quite ready for my good master, when he's 
ready for it 

MUSIC, eves, till Jean Valjean Enters, and 
continues dim. till he is seated on stone R, 
— murmurs — derisive shouts, distant then 
loud — Poeple pass across stage, in search, 
voices die away — Jean looks round, dog- 
gedly, then sinks exhausted on stone. 

Jean Dogs ! do you leave me at last — foot-sore, and 
weary you drive me on still further. Curses on you, 
and your town — you hate me, and / hate you — Oh! 
•how I hate you. {laugh outside L. Jean looks up) 
Another, well I can only try again — a man must eat. 
Knocks loudly on table? Enter Thenadier, 
Then, (down C.) Well, what do you want? 
Jean Supper, and a bed. 
Then. Humph ! for payment ? 
Jean Oh -! yes, I have money. 
Then. All right — sit here. Jean sits ivith great 
appearance of enjoying himself — unfastens 
boots, rubs his ankle &c. Verbois Enters — 
recognises Jean, draws Thenadier aside, — 
Ver. (mysteriously) I say old soldier, that's — 

(whispers Thenadier) 
Then. You don't say so ! (to Jean) Look here — 
* look here — I can't make room for you. 

Jean (turning to him) Are you afraid I shall cheat 
you ? Do you want me to pay in advance ? I have 
money, I tell you. 

Then. But I have no spare bed room— 



Jean Put me in the stables*) 

Then. The horses take up all the room. Come, 
move out of this. 

Jean Well — a corner in the loft — a truss of straw — 
we'll see to that after supper. 

Then. I can't give you supper. Gfo ! ( MUSIC ) 

Jean I am at an Inn — I am very hungry — and so 
I shall remain. Enter Fantine with Cosette. 

Then. You will ? Hark ye — (ivhispers, Jean starts 
then doggedly takes up stick and knapsack* 
and, ivith head bowed down, moves off; as 
soon as he gets to the cross, they laugh, Jean 
turns angrily to them, they Exit hurriedly. 

Jean (sinking on steps of cross) Always the same. 
Always the same — Ah ! 

Fan. (coming down L.) It seems very cruel. My 
good Man, what are you going to do ? 

Jean (roughly) Nothing, my 'good' woman; no- 
thing, but knock at the door of the prison — they might 
give me a nights lodging there. 

Fan. A Prison ! Oh. don't go there. 

Jean Where else ? (Cosette gets betiveen his knees) 
What a pretty child — you don't see many of these, 
where I come from. (pats her cheek) 

Fan. Where have you come from ? 

Jean" What, did'nt they tell you? did'nt you hear 
from the Inn, where they refused me shelter ? 

Fan. And no one will take you in ? 

Jean No. I've knocked at every door — always the 
same — always the same. 

Fan. (pointing to Bishop's house) Have you 
knocked at that? 

Jean No. ( MUSIC ) - 



L. n J 

Fan. Then do, and Heaven help you, my poor man* 
Jean ( surprised at her kindness ) Thank you — 
but Heaven has forgotten me long ago. 

Thenadiee, {outside) Come in, and shut the door. 

Fan. Yes sir, coming. Exit. Jean looks after her, 
then sloivly disappears at back R. 

During this, Bishop Mykiel Enters, 
and places book on Prie-dieu. 

Mag. Monseigneur, have you heard the news ? 

Bis. No. Something very dreadful — are we in 
great danger ? 

Mag. ( very excited ) Yes, Monseigneur, — great ! 
There's such a dreadful man arrived in the town — and 
some misfortune will happen this night — and I say 
this house is not at all safe — and if Monsieur will per- 
mit, I will go to the locksmith, and tell him to put the 
old bolts on the door again — it is so dreadful to live in 
a house where the door may be opened from the out- 
side by any passer by ' or, if he knocked, fancy saying 
'come in' to a great, big, murderous, atrocious-looking 
monster, who — ( a loud knock at door, Mag- 
loire screams ) Oh ! Heavenly Saints ! 

Bis. ( very quietly ) Come in. 

Jean Valjean throws open the door. 
Mag. screams. &c. 

Jean (looks at them, leaning on stick, and speaks 
with despairing desperation ) My name is Jean Val- 
jean — I am a Convict — this evening, on coming into 
your town, I went to the Inn, but was sent away — it 
was so everywhere — I was lying on a stone outside, 
when a good woman pointed to your house, and said 
'go, and knock there' — is it an Inn ? — I am starving— 
will you let me stay here ? 

Mag. Stay here ! Oh, hark ! 



L 12 1 

Bis. Come in. 

Jean I was liberated four days ago— I tell you I am 
a Galley Slave ! 

Bis. My son, you are welcome ! ! ! Magioire, ano- 
ther knife and fork. 

Mag. ( trembling ) Knife — and f-o-r-k ? 

Bis. Yes Magioire ! 

Jean ( surprised ) Wait a minute — ( advances ) 
did'nt you hear me say I was a Galley Slave — a Con- 
vict — and have just come from the Toulon Bagne ? — 
(takes yellotu paper from breast ) Here's my Yellow. 
Passport, which turns me out, everywhere I go — this 
is what it says — I learnt to read at the prison — {reads) 
'Jean Valjean, a liberated Convict, native of ' — but 
that does'nt concern you — '15 years at the Galleys — 
5 years for robbing, with house-breaking' — Ha ! ha ! — 
breaking a window, to get a loaf, to feed seven little 
starving ones ! — '10 years for having tried to escape 4 
times : the man is very dangerous'. Now, you hear 
what they say of me — all the world has turned me out 
— will you receive me ? — will you give me food, and 
let me sleep in the stables ? 

Bis. Magioire, prepare the bed in the alcove. 

Mag. The b-e-d ! Oh ! 

Jean A bed I and I've told you who I am ? 

Bis. You need not have told me who you were — you 
have one name I knew when you entered, that of my 
Brother, — ( rises ) this door does not ask a man who 
enters, whether he has a name, but if he has a sorroiv, 
—you are hungry and thirsty, so be welcome. ( sits ) 

Jean ( taking off wallet, &c. ) I was hungry, when 
I came in, but you are so kind, that it has passed 
away. ( sits L. of table ) 

Bis,. ( kindly ) You have suffered greatly ! 



L is 1 

Jean Suffered ! Uh ! Such suffering as few know— 
( bitterly ) The cannon ball at your foot — the collar 
round your neck — the brand, on your shoulder — the 
parching heat, freezing cold — labour — blows — a dun- 
geon for a word, even when you are ill — and then the 
chain gang — ^ shudders ) Oh, the very dogs are hap- 
pier — 15 years of that, and now the Yellow Passport — 
the brand of Cain, the bar to human sympathy. 
( MUSIC ) 

Bis. ( placing his hand on Jean's shoulder ) My 
brother, you have come from an abode of sorrow — if 
you leave that mournful place with thoughts of hatred 
and anger, you are worthy of pity ; if you leave it with 
thoughts of kindness, gentleness and peace, you are 
more worthy than thousands of us — so sit, and eat, in 
peace and welcome. {they sit. Mag. has 'placed 
Soup, Bread, &c. on table ) It strikes me, Magloire 
there is something wanting ! 

Mag. Only the s-p-o-o-n-s ! 

Bis. Ah ! 

Mag. gets them, they go on with supper, 
Jean eats voraciously. During this Fanttne 
with Cosette, and Mad. Then. Enter. 

Fan. Grood bye, Madame, you will take care of her, 
you will love her, like your own — Oh, promise me to be 
good to her ! 

Mad. T. Never fear, she's all right, the pet, we'll 
take care of her, my husband dotes on children. 

Fan. ( who is broken hearted ) Thank you, Ma- 
dame, — Heaven bless you — you are so good — I shall 
not be long away — I will starve, but I'll pay you regu- 
larly — and Grod bless you, as you treat her — one more 
kiss of my darling — Now — now — I must go — (MUSIC) 
Oh ! I feel as if my heart would break — Good bye— - 
goodbye — Exit, sobbing, R. U. & 



L u J 

Mad. T. Grood bye ! I never saw so much crying, 
and kissing, over a brat : some mothers are such fools, 

Exit with Cosette. 

Jean ( having finished supper ) Oh, Monsieur le 
Cure* ! All this is much too good for me. Or, perhaps 
you are not Cure ? — if Heaven was just, you ought to 
be Cure. ( Mag. clears table ) 

Bis. Heaven is more than just. So, you are a native 
of Portalier ? 

Jean Yes, and am going there to-morrow to see if I 
can find out something about my poor brothers and sis- 
ters. ( yawns, and stretches legs ) Oh !— this is rare 
and good — ( seizes Magloire, ivho screams, & runs 
away ) Kiss me, ma bonne — { Bis. remonstrates ) 
No harm ! I was thinking of my sister, whom I have'nt 
seen for 15 years — I used to see her take the lumps of 
meat out of my soup, and give 'em to the little ones — 
and I'd hide my eyes, and pretend I did'nt see her — 
poor girl — poor Fan — ( reflectively ) what woidd she 
do with seven children ! 

Bis. Seven children ? 

Jean Seven. And one of 'em, my little Fan — she 
used to watch for me, Mons., and come toddling to me, 
with her pretty hair all flying, and put her arms round 
my neck, and her soft little cheek against mine — and 
then she would nestle just here, Mons. — here — and 
( softly ) fall asleep ; and, great rough fellow that I 
was, I was afraid to move, 'lest I should hurt the soft 
little thing — ( with changed manner ) and then she 
woke, and screamed for bread — there was none to give 
her, so I took it, would'ntyou? — and I got 15 years in 
the Chain gang for it — 15 years in the Gralleys — but 
she had the bread tho', Ha, ha, — she had the bread ! 

Bis. Seven children ! and you return to them to- 



I 15 ] 

Jean ( yawning ) Yes, Monsieur le Cure — to- 
morrow. It's a hard journey ! 

Bis. You need rest — Magloire, is all prepared ? 

Mag. Y-e-s, Monsieur! 

Bis. ( taking up candlestick ) You will sleep well 
I trust. I will see you tomorrow "before starting — good 
night. ( going to door R. ) 

Jean G-ood night ! ( suddenly looking up, flush- 
ed with drink, savagely folding his arms ) You 
lodge me so close to you as that?- — who tells you I 
have'nt committed a murder ? 

MAG. Mur-der ■! (screams, and drops plate basket, 
scrambles things up, and rushes off B'. ) 

Bis. ( calmly ) That concerns not me — whatever 
you may be, may Heaven bless you — may Heaven par- 
don you ! ( Magloire returns.) Quick, Magloire, the 
good man needs his rest. Grood night ! Exit R. 

Jean ( looking after him ) G-ood night — I shan't 
want rocking. 

Mag. ( aside ) Rocking, no it's hanging you want. 
( Jean unfastens blouse, and takes off sabots ) O 
dear ! dear ! I wonder which he'll murder first I 

Jean ( in dreamy tone ) G-ood night! 

Mag. How he says it — as if he had made up his 
mind which ! [ indicates cutting throat ] 

JEAN [dashing boots down, stretching, & yawning] 
G-ood night ! 

Mag. dear, I thought he was going to begin — my 
heart was in my mouth — I wonder where he keeps his 
carving knife — perhaps borrow ours — Oh, gracious, I 
feel as if I could'nt m-o-v-e — \Jean rises, she bolts off ] 

Jean ( at alcove ) A bed, like other people — sheets 
— blankets — ( throiving himself on bed ) this will do 
lor me ! [ MUSIC ] I wonder if— if I shall sleep— 



L 16 j 

1 wonder if — if — [ BELL strikes 10 — loud laugh 
in Inn — three Men come out, & Exit R. U. E. — Jean 
rises, pause ] Silver — silver — silver ! I can't sleep 
— Ha, ha, Brevet, with his draught-board braces — my 
little pet Fan. too ; Ah ! — 10 leagues before me 'ere I 
shall see her bright eyes and — Oh, what a fool I am to 
think I shall see her at all. [ comes forward ] How 
could they keep together, after I was taken away — they 
had to starve — perhaps are starving now — [in excite- 
ment, he grasps the Candle-stick'] Silver ! — silver, and 
she put more in there — ( BELL at intervals. Jean 
thrusts hands in pockets, counts ) 15 francs, and 10 
leagues to get over — my Yellow Passport, a barrier to 
industry, and hope — there is no other way — to work- 
to work — ( bloivs out light, arranges knapsack ) Is 
he asleep ? ( listens ) I can get out by that window, 
it opens on the street! What's that? ( listens ) I 
thought I heard some one say 'don't rob the good old 
man' — 200 fr. at least — more than I have earned in 15 
years — this will help us, when we are together — we 
shall prosper, we can return it — it is bread, food, life ! 
Goes to door R., listens, then enters 
stealthily. Pause. Jean re-enters hurriedly 
with Plate &c. puts it in knapsack, and 
dashes to tvindoiv. Thenadier, & Champ- 
matieu, with Verbois Enter. Jean recoils. 
Then. ( at door ) Good night, my merry fellows, 
good night ! Exit. Champ, slips down steps. 

Champ. ( drunk ) Hollo ! Where's my hat ?— have 
you seen my hat, sir ? ( to the cross ) Oh, thank ye' 
( puts on horse collar ) When this you see, remember 
me ! 

Verb, coming down. Come along, Champmatieu, 
let me lead you, 

Champ. Well my man, as you are so drunk, I will 
help you home. Come sir, come to glory ! Exeunt L. 



r » j 

Max My temples beat like forge hammers ! 

As soon as they disappear, Jean escapes 
by windoiv, and off R. U. E. Pause. Magloire 
Enters cautiously, in night cap &c^ 

Mag. I can't sleep a wink — O dear, my — I have- 
mustered up courage to come and take a peep — I am 
so restless about that Plate — I might remove, it from 
Monseigneur's head, arid take care of it till morning. 
I wonder if the man's asleep ! ( cautiously approach- 
ing alcove, starts back ) dear ! dear ! I shall 
be so glad when we are well rid of him ! No breathing 
— he is'nt here — Oh !— Oh !— Oh ! — ( running to 
room R. ) Monsieur — Monsieur — are you murdered h 
Oh, tell me, for goodness, sake, are you murdered h 
Monsieur — -Monsieur— - 

Bishop, ( within* ) What is it, Magloire ? 

Mag. Oh, thank goodness we are not all dead in our 
beds ! Monsieur, the man's gone — and— gracious hea-, 
vens, here's the Plate basket ! 

Bis. ( Entering ) Indeed. 

Mag. The Plate— the Plate- 
Bis. Well, Magloire? 

Mag. It's stolen — it's stolen — the man has gone* 
and stolen our Plate I 

Bis. Stolen our Plate F Ah, he must have been poor 
indeed, to rob me. Well, well, I forgive him — may 
Heaven forgive him too. 

Mag. G-ood gracious ! — I don't care for it, but 
Monsieur — 

Bis. Can do very well without it. 

Mag. What an idea — It's a mercy he only stole — <. 
we might have woke up in the morning and found 
ourselves all murdered. [ MUSIC ] 

Cries,, without, 'Yah—Thief— Bring him. 



1 18 I 

along— Yelllow Passportr-^&c. &c. s 
Mag, Good gracious — what's that? 
Bis, Let us see* They go into JStreet. 

Hfmfafc increases, Jean, Juggling with 
three Gendarmes, resisting savagely, is brought 
on — Men, Women, Gendarmes, &c. — all un- 
cover when Bishop appears. Peasants have 
Torches. Lights half up. 

Corporal L. C. ( in loud voice ) Monsieur le 
Bishop— 

Jean The Biskop, not a Cure? 

Corp. Silence ! We found this man running away, 
so we arrested him on suspicion, and found this Plate, 
which he says you gave him ! 

Bis. L. Ah, I see ; he told you it was given to him 
by an old Priest, at whose house he stayed. And you 
have brought him back-—- Ah, that is a mistake ! 

Corp. f saluting ) Oh, if you did give it him, we 
can let him go. 

Bis. Of course, LET HIM ^0 ! 

Gendarmes release Jean, and fall bach. 

Jean ( in absent, and inarticulate voice ) Is it 
true— am I at liberty? 

Corp. Don't you understand ! { MUSIC ) 

Bis. ( very kindly ) Go in peace ! — when you re- 
turn, my friend, you can always enter, day and night, 
by the front door, which is never locked. Keep the 
Plate — Promise me to employ this money in becoming 
an honest man ! 

Jean Honest — I — / — 

Bis. ( extending hands over him ) Jean Valjean, 
my Brother — no longer belong to evil, but to good; 
fox ever cast aside black deeds, and the spirit of perdi- 



L 19 J 
r i'&n, and give your thoughts to Heaven ! ("points up) 
Jean weeps, sinks slowly on his Jcnees 9 and 
hisses the Bishop's robe. Peasants point at him.. 
Gendarmes face about, and mark time. 



CURTAIN. 



c £cjJJ:2K>>- 



ACT FIEST. 

SCENE 1. — Office of M. Madeleine — large win- 
doiv-door R. looking out on Marketplace — 
Curtains to draw — large table, covered with 
papers L. — Chairs — 

Javert discovered R. of table- - 
(xiLLENORMAND Enters R. 

G-IL. Is M. Madeleine here ? 

Jav. No sir, he will not be long — will you wait ? 

( offers chair ) 
GriL. Thank you. ( surveying Office ) And this 
is M. Madeleine's Office — where he transacts all his 
business? — Ah, Javert I don't know what the town 
would do without our good and worthy Mayor. ( sits ) 
Jav. ( pettishly ) Always the Mayor! — our good 
Mayor — Bah ! — Excuse me M. Grillenormand, you are 
a man I respect — I, perhaps, never said as much to any- 
one before, but you are not like the rest of men, who 
blab, when they think they have found out, what is not 
generally known, and so make others as wise as them- 
selves — the idiots ! — I can say safely to you, what I 
mean — Well, J don't trust our Mayor — that's the long 
and short of it — I don't trust him! 

Gil. Well, you are certainly singular in that. 
Jav. ( doggedly ) Let me ask you who was he, sir ? 
Gil. Who was he ! — Well, Humph — that's certainly 



L 21 ] 

difficult to tell — lie never would give an accuunt of 
himself — but then, who would ask him ? — that grave, 
sad face — he came here in the winter of 1795 — a poor 
man — a knapsack on his back — a stick in his hand — 
dress, gait, speech, and manner of a working-man. 

Jav. "Working-man ! Bah ! Perhaps a — 

Gil. What ? 

Jav. Well, never mind : — go on M. Gillenormand. 

Gil. This man rushed into the burning mass of the 
Town Hall, and rescued two children, who belonged to 
the Captain of the Guard — they asked his name, to ho- 
nour it — and from that time Father Madeleine has 
been a blessing to the town ! 

Jav. Jit might have done very well without him. 

Gil. ( taking snuff ) Prejudice, — there's not so 
rnuckfwisdom in world, that we can reject a clever man 
because he does'nt show a genealogical tree — poor devil 
— I dare say he has'nt got one ! But don't they say 
he is some connection of the good Bishop of Digne ? 

Jav. 'Don't they say' — what don't they say of him ? 
This I know — that he has a million of francs at the 
Bank, ready to draw out at any moment — it's suspici- 
ous. 

Gil. Nose a Fox, Eh, Javert ! 

Jav. Look at me M. Gillenormand — I am Javert — 
( pompously ) an officer of the Law — a respecter of 
Institutions, founded on authority — a man who reve- 
rences Law so much, that he has it for Father, Mother 
Friend, Wife, Religion ! My mother was a fortune- 
teller — my father, overseer at the Galleys — when I 
grew up, I found myself beyond the pale of society, 
and despaired of ever entering it — so I became the 
guardian of that society which kept me at a distance — 
I bate, with bitter hate, all who break the law — and 



L 22 j 

woe-be-tide those, whom Javert suspects — Mayor Ma- 
deleine may find yet to his cost, that Javert suspects I 

GfiL. ( rising ) Well, keep your suspicions to your- 
self, for you are the only man in the town, who does 
not believe heart and soul in him — except, indeed, old 
Fauchelavert, who is jealous of him — he thinks it's 
Madeleine's fault that he's only a carrier, with one 
horse. ( looking through door ) There he is yonder 
— his cart seems heavily laden — poor brute, the horse, 
not the man — the idea of his being so bitter against 
Father Madeleine — the man, I mean, not the horse — 
No, poor brute, he knows better ! 

MUSIC. Noise outside, Enter Serjeant 
and four Gendarmes, dragging in Fantine. 

Serj. ( to Javert ) Monsieur, we arrested this wo- 
man for assaulting a Citizen. 

Jav. Ah, — that jade Fantine. 

Fan. ( iveeping, and very humbly ) Monsieur — - 
good Monsieur Javert — 

Jav. ( roughly ) Silence ! This is pretty behavi- 
our — assault a French Citizen — you shall go to Prison 
for it ! ( writes, L. of table ) 

Fax. Prison ! — Oh, have mercy — I tell you it was'nt 
my fault, it was — 

Jav. Silence ! 

Fan. ( painfully humble ) I will, sir — but — Oh ! 
do, do hear me first — I assure you, I was not in the 
wrong — if you had seen the begining, you would say 
so — I was in a hurry to take home my work — the gen- 
tleman caught me in his arms — thrust snow into my 
bosom, I so ill too — insulted me, so grossly that I struck 
Mm — why is he not here ? — I will beg his pardon, if 
you wish it ! 

Jav. Hold your tongue, -will you ? 



t 23 ] 

Fan. Let me off this time, M. Javert — you know if 
T go to prison I can but earn 7 sous a day — and how 
can I keep my child on that — I already owe 100 frs. — 
and, if I cannot work to pay it, my child will be turned 
into the street — Oh, my Cosette — my little angel— 
what will become of you — Oh ! sir, do think of that, 
and have pity on me ! ( sinks by chair R. ) 

MUSIC. Noise outside? 2 Men run from L. to R» 

GrlL. Egad, the town r s broken out all at once — 
( Enter a Man R. ) What's the matter there ? 

Man Oh, sir ! — old Fauchelevert's cart, laden with 
stones, has fallen over — and the old man is crushed un- 
der the wheel — he's not dead yet, tho' he soon will be 
— the men won't help him, for they think it serves him 
right for speaking against our good Mayor, who offers 
20 louisto any one who will save him — there's none 
strong enough I'm off to the blacksmith's for a jack — 
but I fear he'll be dead before I get back ! Runs off L. 
JAV. Ah ! It's not the will they want, it's the strength! 
Cheers outside R. Madeleine Enters 
surrounded by Peasants, who slioiit 'long live 
Father Madeleine' &c. &c. — Gillenormand places 
chair G. for Madeleine,who sinks exhausted on it. 

GlL. Now don't crowd round him so ! 

All He raised the cart — He saved old Fauchelevert t 
Javert trys to pushup Madeleine's sleeve 
to see brand, as he revives. 

Mad. That will do — I am well now ! ( rises ) 

JAV. { L. G. ivith eyes fixed on Madeleine ) Mon- 
sieur has raised that cart himself ? 

Mad. Yes ! 

JAV. I never knew but one man, capable of lifting a 
cart like that with his back, and he was a Convict at 
the Toulon Bagne ! 



[ 24 ) 
Mad. Indeed ! 

Jav, Humph ! ( returns to table L. ) 

GriL. ( who has been talking with People, comes 
down R. ) It was wonderful — it was grand ! — ■ 

Mad. It was nothing— you would any of you have 
done as much. 

GriL. ( taking snuff ) Ah, I think not. ( cross L. ) 

Mad. Leave me, friends — I have business. Take 
this to the good old man — it is to pay for his horse and 
cart ! ( ihroivs purse. Exeunt Peasants, shouting 
'Long live Father Madeleine, &c. &c.' MUSIC. 

Madeleine R. C. looks at Fantine, who is kneeling 
— scarcely noticing what passes. 

G-IL. ( taking up shout ) Long live Father Made- 
leine — you are a good man, sir — I am proud to know 
you, sir — I — I — damme — ( aside ) Now Javert, what 
do you say ? 

Jav. ( looks up from papers ) As much, and more. 

Gil. Bah! — damme — Bah! Exit at back. 

Jav. It is necessary, sir, for you to — ( Madeleine 
takes no notice ) Umph ! — to prison with her ! ( hands 
paper to Serjeant, ) 

Mad. Wait a minute, if you please ! 

Jav. Monsieur le Maire ! 

Fan. The Maire ! — ( savagely springing at him ) 
So, you are the maire — Ha, ha, ha, — yon — you— 
( Javert advances roughly ) 

Mad. Javert, set this woman at liberty I 

Jav. ( astonished ) What ! 

Fan. ( staggers, looks round ) At liberty ? Who 
said that ? — was it you, kind M. Javert ? ( Madeleine 
looks at pajoer, and speaks to Serjeant ) Oh, that vil- 
lain of a Maire, is the cause of all — only think, Mons. 



[ 25 ] 

Javert — they have discharged me from the factory, 
because they said such dreadful things about me — dis- 
charged me for nothing — and, Oh ! the misery I have 
endured — the world has been so cruel to me — they 
don't know what I have gone through — and they are 
so i pitiless — they don't know how ill I am — how I 
struggle to get bread — how I try to keep Cosette, hap- 
py and comfortable, while I starve — I have parted with 
everything, even to my long fair hair, for her — but you 
have thought of my child — how I bless you for her sake 
— ( kneels, and kisses his coat, then gaily to Gendar- 
mes ) You hear what he says — you may let me go ! 

( moves towards door, Gendarmes close 
up, and cross arms ) 

Jav. ( in voice of thunder ) Don't you see she's 
going ? — who told you to let her go ? 
Mad. I did f ( Fantine looks from one to the other ) 
Jav. Monsieur ! She- has insulted a Citizen ! 

Mad. She was not in the wrong — I crossed the Square 
at the time — the man should have been arrested. 

Jav. She has insulted you ! 

Mad. That only concerns myself — she must be set 
at liberty ! ( movement from Javert ) I know what 
I am doing. 

Jav. And I, M. le Maire, know not what I am seeing. 

Mad. Be content with obeying! 

Jav. ( roughly ) I obey my duty — and my duty or- 
ders, that this woman goes to prison for six months ! 

Mad. She will not go, for a single day ! 

Jav. This is a matter of the Street Police, and con- 
cerns me — I try it. 

Mad. It is a matter of the Borough Police, which 
concerns me, and /try it — 



t 26 ] 

Jav. Monsieur — 

Mad. Not another word — leave the room ! ( tears 
paper, & crosses R. Exit Serjeant & Gendarmes ) 

Jav. ( boivs with mock respect ) Mayor Madeleine, 
I obey — ( Aside ) Mayor, Fox, the dog will unkennel 
you! Exit 1 E. L. 

Fan. ( ivith surprise & emotion ) You — you — 

Mad. I have heard your story, my good woman, and 
have already endeavoured to assist you. I know nothing 
of the charges you bring against me, I was unaware, 
even, you had left the factory. You have been very poor. 

Fan. Poor ! Oh, so horribly poor, you can't think. 

Mad. Why did you not apply to me ? — my purse is 
ever ready to assist the suffering, and deserving. Fan- 
tine, my child, you strangely interest me — there is 
something in your features which — No — I — I — You 
are weak, and ill — I will place you with a good nurse, 
and — 

Fan. How good you are *, and I, so — 

Mad. We are none perfect — and in the sight of Hea- 
ven, the sin is weighed, by the temptation ! 

Fan. Oh, sir, I have been sorely tempted — I have 
sent every sou I could scrape together to keep her nice 
and comfortable — what did it matter, how I lived — but 
I am ill now — I think I shall not live long, sir — but 
let me work in the factory, 'til I die, sir. ( sinks on 
knees, Madeleine takes her hand ) 

Mad. Work, my poor girl ! Be cheerful, Fantine, 
I will do more than this. I will send for your child — 
you shall have her with you — and her future welfare, 
as well as yours, shall be my care. 

Fan. You will send for her ? Oh, M. Madeleine, I 
don't know how to thank you — my heart swells in my 
throat— ( struggles vjith emotion ) Grod bless you — ■ 



f 27 ] 
&od bless you — ( she faints ) 

Mad. ( seated L. C. ) Poor martyr ! The misery 
you have endured, is the anti-room to Heaven — you 
were obliged to begin with that. Fantine ( raising 
her ) Fantine ! In that room you will find friends, 
instructed to take care of you. 

Fan. And Cosette ? — 

Mad. Shall be with you soon. 

Fan. ( with faint smile ) Don't be long before you 
send for her — I shall be well then ! ( Madeleine leads 
her to door R. ) May the earnest blessings of a dying 
woman be on you, sir — may they be placed to your ac- 
count when we meet there ! ( Madeleine boivs reve- 
rently. Exit Fantine R. ) 

Mad. Send — poor mother — I have already sent, I 
will go for her now. ( sits at table ) Yes, I will take 
the journey myself — I doubt his bringing the child, 
spite of his promises — and the poor mother, hungers 
and dies for her — we shall — 

Enter Servant L. 1 E. with lighted candles % 
Ser. There is some one enquiring for you, Monsieur, 
( draivs curtains R. ) 

Mad. Who is it ? 

Ser. A very ugly party — he would'nt give his name* 

Mad. Has he a child with him ? 

Ser. No Monsieur. 

Mad. ( Aside ) Probably the man I sent for — show 
Mm in, and don't mention my name to him. Exit R 
Servant is about to exit as Thenadier Enters 
and bumps him. 

Then. That will do, my good fellow — the party I 
am about to meet, will not be long, I hope — the great 
Thenadier cannot waste his time. 



[ 28 ] 

Ser. The gentleman will be here directly. ( aside) 
he certainly is a ugly party. Exit L. 

Then, (lounges about room, sits C.) Comfortable 
quarters— I wonder who it is, wants the child ! — the fa- 
thers—No, fathers, as a rule, don't want their children 
— The mother?— Oh, well, we shall see. Money 
sent, over the amount claimed — that argues plenty 
more to be got from the same spout, and Thenadier, 
the great Thenadier, knows the art of sucking dry. 
( rises, &piits back chair ) Cosette costs me a clear 
nothing, thanks to the admirable management of Mad. 
T. — why should I, then — merely for the asking, then, 
give up my golden goose, then— No Cosette, my little 
duck — you shall go on laying indefinitely — you mise- 
rable, ugly, little wretch — Ha, ha, ha ! (sits R of table) 
Madeleine, %vho has overheard part of last speech, 
•coughs drily, at back of table. And what does M. 
Thenadier expect the little goose to lay this time ? 

Then. ( no way disconcerted ) Have I the honour 
*of addressing — 

Mad. The person who sent you that note — the per- 
son who is authorised to demand the restitution of the 
child Cosette. 

Then. And that person is?— 
Mad. It can matter little to you, when I show you 
this. ( sJioivs paper, which he has taken off for Fan- 
tine to sign ) 

Then, (reads) *Let Cosette be given up to the 
bearer. Fantine.' 

Mad. You know the writing ? 
Then. Perfectly. 'The bearer' — her fafee^ Eh I 
( aside ) Umph, evidently wishes to remain ulMbwa 
— ( aloud, rises ) Ah, Monsieur— the keavenly i$p- 
"£ant you speak of, endeared to my heart fey a thousalac^ 
«aad-one fond memories— from whomytjMWJctirxg, ev&k 



[ 29 ] 

in imagination, is such frightful agony to my tender 
heart — to both our hearts, my wife's and mine — my 
wife, sir, the tenderest of women — the most devoted, 
and loving of women, on a large scale — all heart, sir> 
all heart — ( takes out ragged pocket-handkerchief ) 
You will pardon this emotion, Monsieur, but when I am 
coldly informed, it can matter little to me. you drive 
me to tears — to — The fact is, Monsieur — ( with 
changed manner ) I want a thousand francs, !. 

Mad. Where is she ? 

Then. But the money, Monsieur ? 

Mad. Shall be yours when you bring Cosette., 

Then. What, all ? 

Mad. All ! 

Then. ( aside ) The devil— -I should have asked 
more ! ( cross R. } 

Mad. You will arrive at Montfermeil this evening,, 
you will start tomorrow for Paris with Cosette. 

Then. 'With Cosette' — allow me to make an entry 
to that effect — ( writes in dirty note book, furtively 
looking at Madeleine, aside ) I shall know you again 
my man. ( Aloud. Smooths map of 'hat, &c. ) All 
right — the great Thenadier, of Water — 

Mad. ( interrupting ) That will do, Monsieur, a 
kind good night to you. 

Then. The great Thenadier, whose honour is — 

Mad. The day after tomorrow, I shall be glad to see 
and hear you. 

Then, is about to speak, as Servant Enters. 
Ser. M. Javert wishes to speak with you, Monsieur* 

TBen. ( alarmed ) My good fellow — must we ne- 
cessarily pass that man ? 

§er. Yes monsieur. Exit L, 



[ 30 ] 
Then. Oh, I've no fear ! — ta, ta — 

Enter Javert. Exit Thenedier comically* 

Mad. ( to Servant, who shows on Javert ) See that 
my horse is ready for me. ( Exit Servant ) And 
now, M. Javert, I am very mnch at yonr service — ( Ja- 
vert crosses to R. despondently ) What's the matter ? . 

Jav. Monsieur, an inferior agent of authority has 
failed in his respect to a magistrate, in the gravest 
manner. 

Mad. Indeed. Who is the agent? 

Jav. Myself ! 

Mad. And, who the magistrate, who has cause to 
complain of the agent ? 

Jav. You, M. le maire ! I have come to request, 
that you will procure my dismissal from the service. 

MAD. Javert ! 

Jav. I mean it — my dismissal from the service, which 
boy and man, has been my pride and joy ! I have done 
wrong— you shall know my fault. ( MUSIC ) Mons. 
le maire, I denounced you to the Prefect of Police — as 
an escaped (xalley Slave ! ( Madeleine rises, livid, 
stares at Javert, who does not raise his eyes, then 
sinks back ) I took you for a man of the name of Jean 
Valjean, a Convict I saw ten years ago, when I was as- 
sistant keeper at the Toulon Bayne. For five years he 
has failed to report himself, as the law demands, that 
every bearer of a Yellow Passport should do — he has, 
consequently, broken his Ban — and I was on his track 
as a fugitive from justice — I imagined you were he, so 
M. le maire, I denounced you ! 

Mad. ( sloivly, & with sonstraint ) And the an* 
swer you received, was — 

Jav. That Jean Valjean is arrested ! 

Mad. Arrested? 



L 31 j 

Jtfar. 0, there's no mistake — I've seen the man — he 
will take his trial to-morrow at Arras — I am summon- 
ed as a witness, and he is sure to be found guilty for 
having tried to escape. 

Mad. After all, these details interest me but slightly 
— when did you say you were going to Arras on this 
matter ? 

Jav. I fancied I told you — the trial comes on to- 
morrow — and I shall start by to night's Post — and 
return as soon as I have given my evidence. 

Mad. Very good — you may go. ( Javert %vaits ) 
What's the matter now ? 

Jav. I have one thing to remind you of, Sir. 

Mad. ( Passing hand over brow ) What f 

Jav. That I must be discharged. 

Mad. ( rises ) Javert you are a man of honour — 
and I esteem you — you exaggerate your fault — I insist 
on your keeping your position. 

Jav. M. le Maire, I must treat myself as I would 
treat any other scamp — I demand my discharge. 
Mad. We will see. ( smilingly offers hand ) 

Jav. Pardon me, a Mayor ought not to give his 
hand to a spy — from the moment I misused my 
authority I became one. ( Bows deeply and exit L. 
1st. E. Madeleine alone. 

Mad. ( speaking with difficulty, hand to heart ) 
The blow has fallen, this fellow creature falsely accu- 
sed — I must know him to be wearing my red jacket — 
and dragging my chain at the Galleys — or, I must 
take myself by the collar, and drag myself to justice ? 
Oh, why have I sought to weave around me the love of 
fathers, mothers, and little children — those poor people 
who look to me for home — shelter— food — that unhap- 
]|y mother, too, and her helpless child — can I leave 



L 32 ] 

them to perish — can I — NO, I will remain — I am 
Madeleine, and woe to the man who is Jean Valjean 
• — it is a fatal name that hovers in the air, and if it 
stop, and settle od a head, so much the worse for that 
head — I ivill remain — the good priest's blessing will 
be fulfilled — 4 I shall no longer belong to evil, but to 
good' — Oh, scoundrel ! — why deceive myself — there 
may be many around me, making a great noise, and 
blessing me — but, there will be one who bears my 
brand, who will curse me in the darkness — all the bless- 
ings will fall to the ground — the curse alone will ascend 
to heaven! ( falls on table in despair. Closed in ) 



SCENE 2. ANTEROOM to COURT. 

Usher Enters from R. crosses L. & calls 'Jean 

Valjean, this way.' Champmathieu is brought 

on by Gendarmes , resisting. 

Champ. You blunderers — I tell you I am not Jean 

Valjean— I tell you I am Champmathieu— you all make 

me angry with your nonsense, I never stole in my life 

— never was in prison, never want to be — what do you 

want ? 

Serjeant. That's all very well — but you must make 
the President believe it. 

Champ. I'll make him believe anything he likes, if 
he'll let me off. What will he ask me ? 

Ser. Well — he'll ask you, where you were bom ! 
Champ. Now that is a stupid question — as if any one 
could remember that ! 

Ser. Then he will ask you, to prove you are not Jean 
Valjean, when you are — and that you were not where 
you were, when you ivas ! 

Champ. Oh, that'll make me so angry ! Now look 
here — you are a good-natured fellow — you do it all for 



L 33 ] 

ine — do — and I'll give you some sour apples, like those 
they say I stole. 

Ushee, Entering R. very loud. Prisoner Chammerty! 

Champ. There you see, it's Chammerty they want, 
not me. 

See. Come along, you'd better take things quietly. 

Champ. Quietly ! — yes, I suppose if you wanted to 
cut my head off, you'd say take it quietly — but I'll be 
hanged if I do. 

See. Make haste, M. le President won't wait all day 
for you. Move on. 

Champ. I don't want to go before your President — 
you're a pretty party, you are-— if a man sees a branch 
of fruit on the ground, he may pick it up, I suppose, 
but catch me doing so if I knew as much as I do now. 
Let me go — let me go — or, you'll make me very angry. 

Ushee ( calling ) Prisoner Chamty! 
Champ. I shan't come, till I know what you're going 
to do with me ! 

Ser. Come, come — no nonsense ! 
Champ. My honest legs shall never carry me into 
such a place, I can tell you ! ( sits on ground ) You 
will make me angry with your nonsense ! 

Gendarmes pick him up, he trips them, &c 
Business ad lib. ultimately carried off R. 



SCENE 3. FULL COUET at AEEAS. 

Peesident & Judges L. raised — Jury under 
them — large table G. at which are Counsel for 
Prosecution & defence — Champ, in prisoner's box 
L. G. back — large door G. with steps & curtains 
— People, raised R. — Gendarmes, &c. 

NOTE — This scene must be inter-set ivith 



[ 34 ] 

the first. Promptor must see Champ, in his 
place, before ringing off. 

Counsel for Prosecution. I have to congratulate 
my learned brother on the fairness of his arguments — 
He has admitted that this may be Jean Valjean — and 
what is Jean Valjean? — Gentlemen, he is a monster 
of immense crime — a wretch who has four times esca- 
ped from the punishment due to his atrocity— a man, 
whose life has been one continued infraction of the law 
— a man of lies, he denies everything, even to his name 
and identity ; — is such a man — such a monster — to es- 
cape with impunity? In addition to a 100 proofs, to which 
I need not revert, there are four witnesses who recog- 
nize him — Javert, the upright functionary of the law, 
and three of his old companions at the (xalleys — and 
what does he oppose to this crushing unanimity ? — he 
denies ! — what unblushing affront — but you, Gentle- 
men of the Jury, will do justice — you will save society 
from the depredations oi' one so lost, and depraved — 
and punish the crimes of Jean Valjean as they deserve! 
( sits C. ) 

Champ. Eh ! — that's a fine speech — perhaps you'll 
prove me some one else, by-and-bye — it's all very fine, 
go on, but you'll make me so angry, directly. 

President. Prisoner, you are in a situation which 
should cause you to reflect — the heaviest presumptions 
are weighing upon you. I ask you, for the last time, 
to explain yourself clearly on the following facts — In 
the first place — did you, yes or no, climb over the wall 
and steal apples ? — that is to say, commit a robbery 
with escalade. Secondly, yes or no, are you the Con- 
vict Jean Valjean? 

Champ. ( crying ) I never stole anything in my 
life — and my name is Champmathieu — I have been 
in prison — bullied, and brow-beaten, and — I shall get 



[ 35 ] 
-my angry ! 

Pres. You are said to be Jean Valjean, concealed 
under the name of Jean Matieu, your mother's name : 
you were born at Favarolles — 

Champ. Eh ! — you're a clever fellow to tell me where 
I was born, I did'nt know myself. Gro on, it tickles 
me, Ha, ha — ( Counsel for defence, ivho sits under 
him, motions him to be quiet ) Gentlemen, it tickles 
me. 

Pres. I must caution you not to aggravate your case, 
by unnecessary and uncalled-for levity. You deny you 
are Jean Valjean ; for the ends of justice, we will call 
the convicts Brevet and Cochepaille. Bring up Brevet 
and Cochepaille. Serjeant goes to 1st. E. R. 

Champ. I don't know the convict Brevet — and if he 
recognizes me he'll make me very angry. 

Brevet & Cochepaille are brought in from R. 
Is that Brevet? — go back and wash your dirty face — 
( Counsel motions as before ) He ought to be asha- 
med of himself. 

Counsel for Defence. Sit down ! 

Pres. ( to Brevet ) You have undergone a degra- 
ding punishment,- so you cannot be sworn ; still, there 
may remain, by the grace of Providence, a feeling of 
honour and equity, even in the being the law has de- 
graded — and it is to that feeling I appeal. There is 
still time for you to retract, if you believe you are mis- 
taken. Prisoner, stand up. 

Champ. Why, he told me to sit down. 

Pres. Brevet, look at the prisoner — tell us, on your 
soul and conscience, do you recognize this man as your 
old mate at the G-alleys ? 

Brevet We were fastened to the same chain for five 
[ recognize him positively, and so does my mate. 



L 36 ] 

Champ. Oh, what a lie ! I'd spoil your dirty face 
if I could get at you. 

Pres. Silence ! You have heard the evidence. 
Have you anything to say ? 

Champ. Say ! I say you've done it famously ! 

Omnes. Oh, Oh, Oh. 

Pres. Silence in the Court. ( MUSIC. Jury con- 
fer — and hand paper to President ) Jean Valjean, 
alias Champmathieu, you are found guilty of the crimes 
of which you are accused, and the sentence of this court 
is — Madeleine, who has heard the trial, rises, &, 

comes forward G. — his hair has changed colour. 

Mad. Brevet, Cochepaille, look this way ! 

Omnes. The Maire — the Maire — Hurrah ! 

Mad. Gentlemen, I can acquit your prisoner. 

Pres. Counsel, & Jury. M. Madeleine ! 

Mad. Not Madeleine - but Jean Valjean, the Gralley 
Slave ! All rise-People cry No, no ! 

Pres. You are mad — it cannot be ! 

Mad. ( sadly ) Do you think I stand here to load 
upon myself accusations, which are not true ! I am the 
Convict you seek ! 

Pres. We must investigate this — we cannot believe — 

Mad. Cannot believe — Oh! — Brevet, Cochepaille, 
do you know me ? ( they shake their heads ) I re- 
cognize you — Brevet, you have a deep burn on your left 
shoulder, you placed that shoulder in a pan of burning 
charcoal, to erase the letters indicating 'Prisoner for 
life.' — You, Cochepaille, have near the hollow of the left 
arm a date, made in blue letters, which is that of the 
Revolution, July 1789. Is that true ? 

They show marks to Gendarmes — Pause 
— Madeleine appears faint, Counsel offers a 



L 37 ] 
Chair, uhich is infused — 

Mad. Who but their old companion at the Galleys 
could know this — You see plainly I am the man 
you seek — the Public Prosecutor can order my arrest ! 

With head bowed down, he goes to opening 
at back G. 
Champ. No, No !— look here — If that's Jean Val- 
jean, he's such a trump that I should like to be con- 
victed for him ! 

People shout, No Conviction ! No Arrest ! 

Gendarmes surround the place where People 
are. Tableau, and 

ACT DROP QUICK. 



<*&%&&*> 



ACT SECOND; 



SCENE 1. CHAMBER, in Madeleines House. 
Doors R. & L. — window L. G. with Moonlight 
behind {lime) — easy chair G. — couch R. — ta- 
ble & chairs L. — green lamp — ; 

Magloire asleep at table — Fantine an 
couch, she coughs & moves-— 
Mag. ( waking suddenly ) Weir, it's a comfort I 
never sleep — not even forty winks. Here's the drink 
all right — ( goes to Fantine ) She' sleeps — Ah, poor 
dear, sorrow falls heavy on the young— she will he wa- 
king soon, and asking after M. Madeleinej and I don't 
know what to tell her — I have lain his key in the usu- 
al place, just by the little loop-hole -—but he'll not want 
it to-night. Ugh ! — that's that ?-- — I'm as nervous as a 
kitten — I feel all of a currant jelly — all of a wibble- 
wabble — Oh, it's only the watchman going his rounds. 
Fantine advanwes slowly to- easy chair- -time 
light full on %er—Maglbire utter : s faint ery, <& 
goes to her assistance — 
She sleeps — Oh.. Oli!— I'mi so lightened, and out of 
my wits. 

Fan. ( sadly ) The world is so hard — And I had 
to leave my little- one--- Ah, the world is so cruel (sud- 
denly) Brother, brother, where are you ? — I sought you 
with my child in my arms — you would have helped us 

you would have given us "bread ! No, no — he is far 

from here — ( shuddering ) I never tell anyone — I 
never did — never — never — Cosette — Cosette — 

Mag. Your child will not be long — you must sit here 
quietly, and wait for her. 



L 39 ] 

Fas. Yes, yes, — she must come soon — I cannot wait 
Jong — long — long — ( falls back in chair ) 

Mag. So young, and so much trouble — the doctor 
says her constitution is entirely gone — her child might 
restore her waning energies — but he is fearful even of 
that, for sudden joy, is as dangerous as sudden sorrow. 
He says I must keep her from violent emotions — poor 
child, she seems to have suffered terribly — I fear the 
end is very near. M. Madeleine promised to bring her 
child, and when fie makes a promise — 

Fan. You are speaking — what is it ? 

Mag. Be quiet, my child. 

Fan. I will be good — but why does he not come ? 

Mag. M. Madeleine ? — he has gone on a journey. 

Fan. He has gone to fetch Cosette ! ( clasping her 
hands ) Heaven bless him ! I shall see her again — 
you know, Madame, it's nearly five years since I saw 
her — you cannot imagine how a mother clings to her 
child — then, she must be so pretty — how wrong it is 
for a mother to be so many years without seeing her 
child — ( softly ) you'll remind me to put on my pretty 
cap, when you hear them coming. 

Mag. There^ you are happy now — ( MUSIC ) So 
obey me, and don't speak any more. 

Fan. I will be good — so good — 

SONG-, very piano & tremuloso. 

Mag. ( after Song ) If her child were to come, it 
might save her. Enter Madeleine, slowly, L. Mag. 
starts. Oh, how you frightened me, Monsieur — I 
thought it was a gh-o-st. 

Mad. How is she ? 

Mag. Somewhat better. She thought you had gone 
tor her child — we did not know, and so we — 
MADk Did not undeceive her — Eight. 



[ 40 ] 

Mag. ( struck by his appearance ) Grood gracious 
sir, what has happened to you ? — your hair is changed. 

Mad. What ? 

Mag. See. ( presenting hand glass ) 

Mad. So it is ! Can I speak to her ? 

Mag. White — good gracious ! Certainly, Monsieur 
—but her child ? 

Mad. Will not be here until to-morrow. 
Mag. To-morrow — Oh, dear — It would be better 
not to speak to her, sir, until — 

MAD. I must — I am pressed for time. 

Mag. goes to Fan. & says 'she sleeps' Mad. sits 
beside her, takes her hand — Fan. looks with sur- 
prise, but with ineffable joy & faith, says — 
And Cosette ? I knew you were there — for tho' I 
was asleep, I saw you — Cosette — bring her to me. 

Mad. Not now — you must get well first. 

Fan. ( impetuously rising ) I am well — I tell you 
I am well — I insist on seeing my child — ( kneeling 
humbly ) Oh, Monsieur ! I sincerely ask your pardon 
— I am not angry, for I know I am going to be very 
happy — when you see I am quite calm, you will say, we 
must give her, her child — won't you — Oh, say you will. 

Mad. Yes, perhaps. 

Fan. How does she look ? — did you have a pleasant 
journey ? — do you think she will have forgotten me, all 
this time ?'■ — my poor darling — could'nt she be brought 
here, only for a moment, now ? — Oh, do say yes ! — I'm 
sure it would make me well ! 

Mad. Cosette is well — you shall see her soon — but 
you must be calm — I had something to say to you, 
but, in your present state — 

Fan. Oh, I am strong — I can hear anything you wish 
to say to me. 



C 4 i ] 

JI'ad. Is there any one else you wish to see ? 

Fan. No. No one but Cosette — they are all dead, or 
-worse — Jeannette gone — Kobert gone — and Jean, Oh, 
my poor Jean — my dear brother, who loved us so — 
( very simply ) Can you tell me, Monsieur^ are they 
very cruel at the Galleys ? 

Mad. ( starts ) The Galleys ! 

Fan. I'll tell you — I would'nttell any one else — poor 
Jean, and he so good — we were all starving — seven of 
us — Oh, it was such a hard winter — no work for the 
poor, therefore, you know, Monsieur, no food, and Jean, 
our good Jean, broke a window, and brought us bread. 
It was very cruel to take him up for it — and punish 
him so severely, for — ( Mad. deeply affected ) Why do 
you weep — why do you press my hand so ? — don't weep, 
you are too good to have a single sorrow. Ah, I see, 
you are sorry for the seven little ones, left to starve, 
when Jean was taken away — yes — yes — 

Children laugh outside, one voice louder than the 
rest — Fan. starts with joy, & holds up her hands — 

1 hear her — I hear her voice — my pretty Cosette — 
I hear her — she's coming — she's coming — 

Rushes to door L. and encounters Javeet, & 

2 Gendarmes. Picture ! Javerfs manner is stern, 
hard & brutal, his right hand under coat, grasping 
stick — exultant. Fan. staggers back to R. Mad. 
regards Jav. with stem composure. 

Jav. ( roughly ) Come ! 
Fan. ( in agony ) M. Madeleine, save me ! 
Mad. (mildly ) Courage Fantine — it is not for yon. 
Jav. ( savagely ) Come — make haste ! 
Fan. Monsieur le Maire ! 
Jav. Ha, ha, ha — there is no Maire here ! 
Mad. Javert ! 

Jav. Call me Monsieur, the Inspector ! 
Mad. ( in low voice ) I should like to say a few 
w>r_ds to you in private. 



[ 42 ] 

Jav. Speak out — people talk aloud to me. 
Mad. ( low & rapidly ) Grant me three days, to go 
and fetch this poor woman's child. 

Jav. ( loud ) To fetch this girl's brat ! Ha, ha, 
that's very rich. 

Fan. My child ? — then she's not here — 
Jav. Will you be quiet, wench. A fine country this 
where Galley Slaves are magistrates ; and — 

Mad. Silence, sir — you are in the presence of a dy- 
ing mother — I ask no pity for myself, no respect, but I 
will force you — ( movement from Javert ) — Ay, force 
you, to render it to this wrecked woman, whose heart 
hungers and thirsts for her child ! Let me fetch her 
child, then I will give myself up your prisoner — refuse, 
and you bring on yourself what follows — I am no man 
to go from my word ! 

Jav. A threat — ( advancing ) 
Mad. Stand back ! 
Fan. Monsieur le Maire ! 

Jav. I tell you, there is no Maire here — there is a 

robber — a brigand — a convict, of the name of Jean Val- 

jean, and I've got him ! ( seizes Madeleine. Fantine 

screams, looks at Javert, then at Madeleine, 

then clutches her throat, as if about to speak, Sc 

throivs up her hands, passionately. 

Fan. It is not true — It is — Brother ! — (falls dead ) 

Mad. ( removing Javertfs hand ) You have killed 

this woman — my sister ! 

Jav. Enough of this — ( furiously raises stick ) 
Mad. ( fixing him ) I would advise you not to dis- 
turb me, just at present ! ( Javert falls back. Mad, 
kneels, raises Fan. in his arms, kisses her ) Dead ! 
Woman Angel, hear this last assurance from earth, ere 
Heavens portals open to receive you ! Here do I swear 
to find your child, and dedicate my life to her service ; 
rear, guide, and succour her ! The Galley Slave defies 



L ^ ] 

few, m such a cause — and cursed be the man who 
would keep me from this sacred duty — Amen ! — Amen ! 
With arms outstretched, looking up — Picture 
■ — Change scene, by flag. 



SCENE 2— ANTEROOM to Prison. 
Enter G-illenormand, L. 

G-IL. ( taking snuff ) A good fellow — a noble fel- 
low- — Ah, ah — give himself up — face the Gralleys for 
life — well, if his judges don't acquit him by an unani- 
mous vote, they are a set of asses, and deserve to be 
sent to the Gralleys themselves ! Javert, Oh, that acute 
Javert — I suppose he crows over his penetration. Well, 
give me the man, who sees anothers good points — and 
is not always prying and ferreting into the bad ones. 
We are none of us so good, that we can afford to throw 
stones — at least, /think not — I judge by myself f 

Javert, ( oidside R. ) Let a double guard be set 
— see all is — ( Enter ) — Ah, M. Grillenormand, are you 
here ! Well, what did I tell you ? — a fox, in sheeps 
skin — you were all so blind — only Javert could find it 
out — only Javert, who could scent the fine creature, in 
his admirable disguise — what idiots people are ! 

G-IL. Umph! — you are highly complimentary. 

Jav. Present company excepted. 

G-IL. Oh, don't mind me. And so you've got him — 
Bravo, my fine fellow — you shall be well rewarded — 
you have got your convict — you have got your Jean Val- 
jean : well then, keep him — eat him — torture him — 
put a chain on his leg — a number on his back — a dou- 
ble brand on his arm, and make his life a daily curse : 
when you have done all this, what then ? — the law will 
be satisfied ! — all right, it will — But, what have you 
done ? — this man was living honestly in the communi- 
ty, accredit and honour to it — he had atoned his wretch- 



C ** ] 

ed fault— well, down swoops the black eagle, LdAV 9 
carries him off, and with him Commerce, Work, Wealth ! 
M. Javert, your fine town will go to the devil ! (cross) 

Jav. ( C. ) Let it, before thieves and (xalley Slaves 
should rale it. 

GriL. That's a matter of opinion — if they can do it, 
and do it ivell, there may be circumstances to justify 
it. M. Javert, you, and such as you, are a reforming 
man's curse — you believe in nothing good he does — in 
your eyes, he is a black sheep to the end of the chapter. 
Well, thank goodness, you can't make me out a galley 
slave, so I may go on being as great a rascal as I like. 

Jav. Aye, Monsieur, so long as you do nothing to 
bring you within the pale of the law, of which I am a 
most faithful minister. 

Gil. But, let me tell you, sir, the Law often makes 
the creature it punishes ! What is this boasted civili- 
zation, which drags such miserable wretches at it's 
heels ? — which, Juggernaut-like, crushes it's thousands 
and thousands of victims ! ( cross L. ) 

Jav. The law, is the law ; and I have nothing to do 
with anything else — Javert performs his duty — Javert 
triumphs — Javert chuckles — ha, ha, ha ! 

G-il. But for his noble conduct, Javert could never 
have performed his duty ! 

Jav. Ha, ha, ha ! — don't excite yourself — don't fly in 
a passion — you defending scoundrels, rogues; and 
vagabonds ! 

G-IL. No sir, no — I'd have 'em all hung — Counsel- 
Prosecution — Lawyers, and Prisoners, off-hand — why 
not get rid of a lot of scoundrels at once ! 

Jav. Umph — pleasant. 

G-IL. 'Don't put yourself in a passion,' sir — I will put 
myself in a passion ! 

Enter Serjeant hurriedly, R, 



L 45 ] 

Jav. What's the matter ? 

See. ( breathless ) Monsieur Madeleine, sir — 

Jav. ( sharply, correcting) The prisoner, Valjean ! 

Ser. The prisoner Valjean, has broken the bar of his 
cell window, and escaped \ 

Jav. Escaped ? 

G-il. Escaped ! — Ha, ha, ha ! — Glorious ! 

Jav. ( enraged ) Fools — idiots — you — you — you — 

Gil. Don't put yourself in a passion ! ( imitates ) 
Javert triumphs — Javert chuckles — ha, ha, ha, — don'6 
fly in a passion ! 

Jav. Which road ? 

See. Montfermiel, we think.. 

Jav. And they follow him ? 

Ser. No, they wait for orders. 

Jav. Orders — Idiots ! — Out of my way ! — Mont- 
fermiel — we'll catch him yet ! Exit R. Serjeant follows. 

Gil. ( celling after him ) And if you do, may you 
catch a Tartar ! Don't nut yourself in a passion, mon 
ami ! Ah M. Javert, those so ready to clap irons on 
others, should have a taste of wearing them, themsel- 
ves ! Oh, what a rascal human nature is, to require so 
much law to keep him in order ! Exit L. 



SCENE 3.— A FAIR. Inn L. U. E. with sign 

'Serjeant of Toulon'— A Toy Booth R. 1st 

E. — a long- street of Booths, to back — tables & 

chairs L. — Carts— Benches — Great bustle as 

scene opens, by Villagers, Garters, &c. 

Thenadier, Pedlars, &c. drinking L. 
Cosette asleep under table. 

NOTE. At opening of scene — 2 women, 
& 3 men buy flowers from Mower Girl — a 
group of Feasants surround Pedlar C. — seve- 
wZgrcteps -promenade, from different angles 



[ 46 ] 

— some play at 'jet a Vanneau' — 2 Tumblers 
& 1 Pierrot. 

Then. ( coming forward ) More custom to the 
'Serjeant of Toulon' — If we could only do like this all 
,the year round, Thenadier, would be the great man he 
always dreamt he should be — for I natter myself I know 
Ihe duties of a landlord — to arrest passers-by — to set 
a price on the open window — the shut window — the fea- 
ther bed, the palliasse, the fleas — to know bow much 
the reflection wears off the looking glass, and charge 
for it — and, by the five thousand fiends, to make the 
traveller pay for everything —even to the flies his dog 
eats! Enter Verbois, on Horseback. 

Verb. Here — Inn ! Serjeant of Toulon ! 

Then. Here, here, my good friends — put up your 
animals — good attendance for man and beast ! 

Verb. Well, we'll hope so— let my animal have 
some water. 

Then. Of course, most mighty— Here, Cosette, wa- 
ter — water — ( very loud ) you little wretch, where are 
you ? - skulking as usual — Hollo — where is she ? 

Mont. ( sitting on table L. ) Do you mean your 
slavey ? — she's been asleep under this table ever so long. 
Come, get up little one — your master calls you. 

Then. Come out, devil's bird, come out ! ( Cosette 
starts to her knees, & rubs her eyes. She is in rags ) 
I'll set Madame Thenadier to you— (loud) Do youhear? 

Cos. ( with a scream ) Oh, don't — please don't — 
please don't — 

Then. Well, get some water for this gentleman's ani- 
mal ! ( goes up, & attends to customers ) 
Verb. Yes, and if you are to do it, be quick. 

( goes to pony, & unfastens panniers ) 
Cos. ( moving off, wearily ) Yes, sir. 

Enter Madame Thenadier, from Inn L. 
Mad. T, ( very loud to Cosette ) Cut ! 



C 47 ] 

hostile, terrified, runs off at back L. Men laugh. 

Mont, Ha, ha ! You know how to manage her. 

Mad. T. Eather — the lazy slut — if I did'nt look af- 
ter her, what would become of all the work at the old 
'Serjeant'. ( Drum & pipe, outside R. ) Hollo, there 
are the tumblers ! ( People go up, some off. Mad. 
T. runs to door & calls ) Here Epo, my darling, 
Azelma, come, and see the pretties — hi, you pets, 
where are you ? ( Cosette comes down to peep, Mad- 
ame boxes her ears ) Little devil, how dare you — go 
to work. ( throws her L. ) 

Cos. Yes, Madame. 

Mad. T. If you've nothing else to do, get out those 
stockings — how frightful you look with those red eye 3 
— Cut ! ( Cosette takes stocking from her pocket, &. 
begins to knit ) 

Verb. Landlord, my horse has'nt had any water 1 

Then. No water ? Cosette ! { goes into Inn, and 
is busy there till he sees Champmathieu ) 

Mad. T. That little wretch again — come here — 
( takes her by the ear ) Now look at that gentleman 
— has his horse had water ? 

Cos. ( /lightened ) Y-e-s, Ma-dame. 

Verb. It's a lie ! Now look here, my animal wants 
water, and he must have it ! ( goes up ) 

Then. ( from Inn ) Of course. Cosette, go and 
fetch it, clean from the well. 

Cos. All that way ? 

Mad. T. Gro and fetch it, you hear — ( Cosette hangs 
her head ) And, as you have to pass the baker's, bring 
a loaf with you. ( gives money ) 

Cos. Yes, Madame ! Gets large pail, & Exit R< 
MUSIC. Shouts, & laughter outside R. up. 

Then. Hollo, who have we here ? — why ! I remem- 
ler him, surely ! 

Enter Champmathieu, surrounded by Pea- 
mnis r laughing dec. 



[ 48 ] 

CHAMP. I tell you it was capital — ha, ha, ha — took 
me for another blackguard ! ( all laugh ) Grot over 
it tho' — not to be mistaken long for the fool I am, eh? 
( laugh, & No, no ! ) Some men don't know they are 
fools — some do — now, /know I am — therefore I belong 
to the upper class of fools ! — ( laugh ) — not the upper 
class generally — oh, no ! 

Then. Hollo my famous customer, don't you know me? 

Champ. ( sitting on bach of chair ) Let me look 
at you — it might be dangerous to take you for another 
rascal ! ( people laugh ) I know you — rather — you 
ugly scoundrel ! ( Omnes laugh, & say 'Oh, oh ! ' ) 

Then. Hollo— I say— how— 

Champ. You know I was the greatest fool among your 
customers — and yet, you go and hide yourself when those 
old asses wanted to take me for somebody else. 

Then. & Mad. T. How— where— what ?— 

Champ. Have'nt you heard of it ? Well, to show I've 
no malice, I'll take something to drink, at your expense 
and tell you all about it. ( Omnes 'Aye —aye ! ' ) 

Then. Ah, you would always have your joke — (aside) 
and you shall pay for it. Wife, get some drink. 

Madame T. does so. 

Champ. Now, this is how it was — ( tells them in- 
dumb show ) MUSIC. Enter Madeleine, dis- 
guised as an old way-faring man, cap over 
eyes, stick, &c. 
— And, he said it was himself — not me — but himself, 
who was Jean Valjean ! — Madeleine listens — music 
ceases — Picture — After which, Omnes 'Well — well' 
• — And so the old fools let me go — they would'nt take 
my word for it. But he was a splendid fellow, and I 
was very much obliged to him — we'll all drink his health 
— you too, old fellow — [ to Madeleine ] Here's Jean 
Valjean, and, may he have a fine time at the Gralleys ! 

Omnes 'A fine time, at the Gralleys ! ' [ they drink 1 

Champ, But we are not at the Galleys — so suppose 



E 49 ] 

W 8av& the last Parisian novelty ' 

Omnes. Ay, ay — a dance — a dance ! 
SABOT DANCE. 
After ivhich, all go up — Champmathieu lights 
cigarette, drinks, &c. — Madeleine sits at table. 

Then. ( to Mad. ) Well, my friend — what for you? 

Mad. ( in assumed voice ) Something to eat and 
drink — I may want a bed. 

Then. ( winking at Madame ) All right, my man 
— we'll lodge you. ( arranges table, &c. ) 

Enter Cosette, with pail. 

Mad. T. Here's that little imp, Cosette, ( Made- 
hine starts, & goes to her ) Well, you've got here at last. 

Mad. Let me carry it for you, my little one. 

Cos. ( timidly, looking at Madame ) No, no. 

Madeleine takes pail, & gives it Verbois. 

Mad. T. Where's the loaf ? 

Cos. The 1-o-a-f ! 

Mad. T. The 1-1-1-o-a-f ! Yes- where is it ? 

Cos. The baker's was shut up — and — and — 

Mad. T. Shut up ? — well we'll know the truth of that 
to-morrow. Grive me the money. ( holds out hand ) 

Cos. The mo-ney ! 

Mad. T. The money, idiot ! 

Cos. ( feeling in her apronpocket, in despair ) I-— I 

Mad. ( pretending to pick it up ) Here it is. 

Mad. T. Silver— umph — ( to Then. ) Look here, 
he's given me silver, for the sous I gave her ! 

Then. Silver! — ( pockets it) Grreat creature — crawl 
in the dust to him. 

Mad. T. To him ? 

Then. (: savagely ) I tell you. ( mildly to Mad. ) 
Children are a great trial, and we love her so — bless 
her. Goes into Inn for eatables, for Mad. 

Mad. Is she your child ? 

Mad. T. Ours ! — that little wretch — no, thank 
goodness* 



C 50 ] 

'Mad. And your mother, little one ? 

Cos. I never had one, sir ! 

Mad. T. Not that she knows, sir — she's a sort of im* 
becile, that we took out of charity — we have written to 
her people, but have had no answer — it looks as if her 
mother was dead. 

Cos. ( sadly ) My mother is dead* 

Mad. T. All the better too — She could'nt have been 
much, as she deserted you. 

Mad. ( with emotion ) Deserted her ! — as you say 
her mother may be dead. 

Mad. T. And what business had she to go and die, 
and leave her brat with us — I'll pay her out for it I 

Mad. You would'nt beat her ? 

Mad. T. Oh, — would'nt I — the lazy slut I 

Mad. Is her weak innocence no protection ? 

Mad. T. 'Her weak innocence,' indeed— ha, ha — I'll 
give it her all the worse for that — Gro to your work — 

Then. ( coming down C. ) My wife is so playful 
— she will have her joke, i/onsieur — an excellent wo- 
man, only too tender with children — we love Cosette, 
almost more than our own — we give her nice easy work 
only to keep her out of mischief-— go to it's work, now. 

Mad. No — let her play ! ( gives money to Madame, 
& buys doll for Cosette ) Now play ! 

Cos. May I, madame ? 

Mad. T. Oh, yes, pet — since the gentleman says so 1 
Cosette kneels before doll, with clasped hands* 

Champ. ( coming down ) I'm fond of dolls — I love 
'em — they look so innocent, and don't scratch and bite, 
like real women ! ( plays with doll ) 

Mad. ( at table L) Suppose you were free of that child? 

Mad. T. ( anxiously ) Oh, sir— my good sir — take 
her — keep her — eat her — and may the saints in Para- 
dise, bless you — take her away at once ! 

Then. What are you doing, wife — this lovely child 
is not to be got rid of in that manner — I have been 



! St J 

proimsed a thousand francs with her ! 

Mad; ( takes out pocket book ) /will give you the 
thousand ! ( MUSIC ) 

Then. I can't consent — I adore her — affection grows 
on me' — I love her — my wife — she loves her, too — 
( with mock enthusiasm ) — and I could'nt think of 
parting with her— under, two thousand francs ! 

Mad. You shall have them, (people gather round), 

Then. I must know where she goes to. 

Omnes. Yes* yes^— that's fair ! 

Mad. Look you, sir— if I take Cosette away, I break 
the bond which binds her— I set her free — and, you 
never see her again ! 

Omnes Ah- — Let her go —let her go ! 

Then. It's greatly agains t my feelings — but, I'll take 
the money L (Madeleine pays ) 

Champ. Do they sell children like that ? — I'll invest 
in a few — ( to peasants, who laugh ) Have you got 
a baby to sel— eh ? ( Cosette goes to Mad. ) 

Mad. Cosette, can you love me, enough to go with me ? 

Cos. ( putting her hand in his ) Oh, yes, good 
gentleman — and this ? — ( holding up doll ) 

Mad. Yes, yes — ( going ) 

Mad. T. ( coming down L. ) Good bye, little dar- 
ling — and, may he eat you ! 

Mad. Madame — you will never see her more-^may 
Heaven forgive you, for the share you have had in this 
child's misery ! Cosette, say 'I forgive you, Madame,, 
may my mother too ! ' 

Cos. ( putting her hands together ) 4 I forgive you 
Madame, may my mother forgive you too ! ' ( curious- 
ly, to Mad. ) Have I got one, sir ? 

Mad. ( affected ) In Heaven, my child ! 

Cos. I should like to go to her 1 

MAD. You shall — you shall, some day 1 — Come — 

THEN- ( intercepting them R. C. ) Monsieur — I 



t 52 ] 

am an honest man ! — that child is not mine — and I 
cannot give her up, without authority from her mother ! 

Mad. ( pause ) That is but just. ( shows paper ) 
You know this writing — 'Let Cosette be given up to 
bearer, Fantine.' — This is my authority— I have paid 
you — you can have nothing more to say ! ( cross R, 
Tksnadier menaces, Madeleine turns sharply round\ 
erect ) Farewell ! Exit, with Cosette. R. U. E. 
Peasants sa^/'G-ood bye' & waive handkerchieves, Sic. 

Mad. T. How much did you get ? 

Then. Not half enough, wife, idiot that I am— she's 
worth a fortune ! 

Mad. T. Go and get more ; or, bring her back. 

Then. Eight, wife — I'll have more, or know the 
reason why ! ( going, after Mad. ) 

Champ, (intoxicated) Leave us a lock of youi hair. 

Then. Bah ! Throws him L. into Madames arms 
& Exit — Peasants laugh — Murmurs outside L. 

J avert, ( outside L. ) Make way — make way ! — 
he's here — I know he's here! — Enter, with Gendarmes* 
Where is he ? 

Champ, [creeping under table} It's me— I know it's me 

Omnes Who — who ? 

Jav. An escaped convict, Jean Valjean. 

Champ. [ peeping ] You are at it again— =you1i 
make me very angry ! 

Jay. Ah ! — 1_ overturns table ] 

Champ, f presenting bottle like a pistol j Another 
step, and I'll pull the trigger ! 

Jav. Fool. Search the house. 2 Gendarmes Exit 
Enter Thenadier, tying his head up. 

Then. Hollo — what's the matter ? 

Jav. We seek the convict Valjean — we have tracked 
him here — 

Then. What — a man with white hair, who has 



[ 53 ] 

earned off a cnild — 

Jav. The same — where is he ? 
Then. On the road to Paris — there. ( points ) 
Champ. ( having got to R. ) Yes, here! — you swore 
I was, when i" swore I was'nt — now, swear I am again, 
and I won't swear I am'nt ! 

Jav. Out of the way — Follow, and fire upon him ! 
J avert, & Gendarmes double off R. U. E. 
Peasants look off — Guns fire — screams & confu- 
sion, as — 



ACT DBOP FALLS, QUICKLY. 



<<v$ti§$2P* 



ACT THIED. 

Ten years elapse. Wait for change of Costumes. 

SCENE 1 — Commissary's Office. — Table & chair 
R. — Javert, discovered, looking over papers — 

Jav. Paris, July 30th. 1795 — ten years ago. Ah, 
the chase after that convict Valjean, made that year a 
memorable one with me — I never was so deluded — he 
did it wonderfully ! I pursued him to Montfermiel — 
and lost sight of him, almost as soon as I saw him in 
the distance — we sent a few shots after him, and found 
a track of blood — but nothing came of it — they thought 
he must have fallen in the Seine, and there perished — 
but then, what became of the girl ? — she was never 
found to tell the story — No, I don't believe it — Jean 
Valjean is said to be dead — but, Javert believes he still 
lives — Javert has once been deceived by the living sem- 
blance of the scoundrel, he'll make no such mistake 
again — let him use what disguise his cunning may de- 
vise. I was sorry for the poor work-people when their 
great man was gone — the town soon went to ruin. 
Where-ever he is, he's rich — for as I expected he drew 
out every franc at Lafitte's. 

Enter Serjeant L. 

Ser. M. Grillenormand desires to speak with you. 

Jav. Show him in. ( the Serjeant does so ) 

G-illenormand ( as he Enters ) Well, Javert — ■ 
what success? — have you found the rascal ? — don't keep 
me in suspense — have you found him ? 

Jav. Monsieur — I promised to find him by six this 
evening — 

GrlL. Oh, damn your promises, let's have fulfilments. 



L 55 ] 

Say, I am a man of my word. Your nephew is a 
rery brave young fellow—apt to ride the high horse — 
but, a fine fellow, You ought to be proud of him. 

Gil. I am proud of him — proud, from the time I 
took him, a curly-headed boy, to this time, when he 
has grown a bouncing young man ! But what business 
had he to quarrel with me, about his dead father's po- 
litics ? — Oh, the heads of these modern young men, are 
crammed with crotchets and noodledom — with no res- 
pect for the opinions of their elders, who know so much 
better — But why the devil don't you bring him to me ? 

Jav. He's not a baby, he can bring himself. ( goes 
to door C. & calls ) M. Marius — oblige me by walk- 
ing this way. 

Enter Marius, a young man of distinguished 
appearance — he starts at seeing Qillenormand. 

GriL. Oh, there you are, my fine run-away — mixed 
up with the police — very proper — I kuew what it would 
come to — Oh, don't speak — since you don't recognize 
me — and, call me father, and rush into my arms, when 
I speak to you so affectionately, you damned young 
rascal ! 

JAV. I shall leave you to yourselves. Take my ad- 
vice, M„Marius — resistance to lawful authority, is run- 
ning your neck into a halter— it's a bad game to play 
— you're' sure to get the worst of it. Exit R. 

Marl Monsieur Grillenormand, I — 

GriL. Oh, you do know me. — Now, why have you 
kept away from me so long, you plague of my life ? — 
you wanted to break my heart — but I won't let you, 
you scamp ! 

Mari. I have no wish to grieve you, sir — but when 
you trample on the dearest feelings of my heart — reve- 
rence for my father's principles — your house is no lon- 
ger a home for me ! 

G-IL. How handsome the dog looks — ( loud ) Well, 
;jett ugly villain — is that all you have to say for yourself? 



[ 56 j 

Marl Yes sir — all ! 

Gil. Well — it could'nt be much less. Have you 
found out the name, yet, of that pretty girl, you wanted 
to marry off-hand ? 

Marl Yes sir — and she's an angel I 

Gil. Of course, they all are, until we are forty ! — 
Come, my dear boy — ( patting him on the shoulder ) 
tell your old grandfather, all about it. 

Marl Oh, sir — I — 

Gil. Why not call me father? 

Marl Father ! ( shaking hands ) 

(til. He calls me father — that's right — go on, my boy. 

Marl She is lovely — her name is Cosette-— her fa- 
ther is the best of men — so good and charitable to the 
poor ! For six months she irradiated my existance — 
then, suddenly disappeared, and I have never seen her 
since ! ( cross L. ) 

Oil. Oh, you'll find her, my boy — these things are 
very easy — you only want a little money, my boy — and 
that, your ass of a grandfather will let you have, and 
the girl is yours — money will do it, boy — money ! 

Marl Money ! — M. Gillenormand — six months ago 
you outraged my father, and drove me from your side 
— to-day, you traduce the being, I seek for my wife — 
and I leave you, sir, for ever ! Exit L. 

Gil. ( calling after him ) Marius — Marius 1 — 
What have I said — what have I done ? — come back — 
I consent to anything — 

Enter Serjeant L. 

Ser. I let M. Marius out, sir — 

G-IL. Then why did you let him out ? Go, call him 
back — or, I'll break every bone in your ugly body — 
( shaking stick ) Marius — Marius — you rascal ! — 
Exit, followed by Serjeant, L. 



t 57 ] 

SCENE 2— Jondrette's GARRET. Set scene 
giving an open Garret, occupying nearly two 
thirds of the stage : raised 3 ft. : large over- 
hanging window », at the side, C. R. — door C. 
Fire-place L. The R. of stage, shoivs a view 
of Paris, lighted up — in front of garret, & 
opp isite windoiv, are house tops, giving great 
depth between houses -Green lights outside. 
Red in — Snow falling. 

Thenadier, alias Jondrette, discovered 
smoking-— his appearance much altered — his 
bearcTrowgh, & clothes a mixture of male & fe- 
male attire: Table C. — Bed L. — Sign-board 
— Pen, ink & paper — a Rope — real Poker — 
Then. How much longer is that girl of mine going 
to be r — She's gone to the philanthropist with a begging 
letter ; but, even they don't do no w-a-days— people are 
so cursed suspicious, there's no honest livelihood to be 
got, even in a place like this, where a fellow could be 
quietly put. out of the way, and no questions asked — 
(opens trap L. ) — And where the Seine runs so con- 
veniently, it would be quite comfortable to be put into 
it. ( points- to window ) Bah ! — what's a man to do 
when he has no money in his pocket — he must take it 
out of somebody elses — curse 'em, them's my morals ! 
Mad. Thenadier, 'in old coat & mm's shoes r 
&c. runs in, panting. 
Mad. T. He's coming — 
Then. Who — the philanthropist ? 
Mad. T. Yes — he read your letter, and said he would 
come directly — I have just seen his carriage — that's 
why I ran so. 

Then. Quick then — let us be prepared to receive 
him. Put out the fire — smash a pane of glass — -go to 
bed, and pretend to have a fever — ( He pulls straw 
out of chair, & having made the place look thoroughly 
'Wce&d'&d, he looks round with complacency ) Now, 



L 58 j 

I think, we shall do. ( Knock — Then, opens door 

beaming with animation ) Walk in, my benefactor I 

Enter Madeleine, alias Leblanc, & Cosette. 

Cos. {placing basket of provisions on table) Here 
Madame — here is something to do you good. 

Then. Our angelic benefactress, overwhelms us. 

Mad. I see" you are much to be pitied, Monsieur. 

Then. Yes — my benefactor —we have no food — no 
lire — the snow beats in at the roof — a window broken 
in such weather as this — my wife, ill in bed — ( Cosette 
goes to Madeleine — Thenadier recognizing him, says 
to Madame ) Wife, look at that man ! 

Cos. Dear papa, you will help these people— it makes 
me so sad to see their misery. 

Mad. My Cosette must see the world she lives in— - 
to make her tender heart throb with the divine impul- 
ses or' charity. 

Then. And worst of all — if I do not pay my rent 
to-night — my wife, with a fever — my wretched self, in 
my rags, will be driven forth into the streets — shelter- 
less, in the rain and snow — I owe 60 frs. sir, 60 frs. — 
Oh, oh ! ( groans, & falls in chair. Knock ) 
Enter Marius. 

Mari. Pardon this intrusion — but, I found this pac- 
ket of letters, bearing your address, so I — (sees Cosette') 
Heavens ! — If I intrude, now, I will — 

Mad. No sir, we are going. ( to Then. ) Is it not 
to-night you have to pay ? 

Then. Yes, worthy sir, to-night by 8 o'clock. 

Mad. I will be here by 7, and bring you the 60 frs. 

Then. Oh, worthy benefactor — 

Mad. Come, my child. 

Then. You are forgetting your coat. 

Mad. I don't forget — I leave it for you. 

Then. My august benefactor — I am melted into 
tears — allow me to conduct you to your vehicle — this 
way ! He leads the vjay — As Cosette passes, she 



r » ; i 

d/'o/>s Aer handkerchiefs Mar ius picks it up, & as he 
ret%trns it, whispers ) How cruel you are to me ! 

Mad. Cosette — come ! {bows to Marius, & Exeunt) 

Maei. Permit me to offer my> mite, to relieve the 
misery I see here ! ( puts money on> table. A&ide ) 
Ah — again I have seen- her — come what may I will 
discover her abode, and honestly declare my love. 

Exit. Mad. T. sits- up in bed, & takes 
a long pull at a bottle ; then sees money & rises \ 

MM. T. That's my perquisite ! ( pockets money ) 
An,- : — the begging letters, Azelma lost — they'll save 
writing others. ( puts them in table drawer ) 
Enter Thenabier, much excited. 

Then. Well, wife — ha, ha, ha- — we have found him I 

Mad. T. Who r 

Then. Why, he — the brigand — the robber— who 
went off with our Lark t 

Mad. T. What— Cosette ? 

THEN. Yes ! — It's ten years- since, but I knew him ! 
ril'pay him now, for the crack of the head he gave me 
— He's better dressed — the villain — ha, ha, I hold him, 
and the girl too ! 

Mad. T. What, that one — in such fine clothes, while 
mine have to go about in rags ? — Oh, if I had her here 
— I'd spoil her beauty. 

Then, (thumping the table ) I tell you, my fortu- 
ne's made — I will have my turn now — he will come at 
seven o'clock, the vagabond, and he'll execute himself; 
or* we'll do it for him. 

Mad. T. But how t 

Then. Go and tell Rignolles, Babet and Montpar- 
nasse I want them — and, when you see the old fox com- 
ing— ( ivhispers ") 

Mad. T. All righ1>— all right— I will ! Bjpjfa 

Then. You shall have silk boots to-morrow, my 

beauty — ha, ha ; ha ! He takes a rape from under 

hied— gets sign-board — takm large knife from 



r 6o ] 

drawer, & feels edge — BELL strikes 7 — he counts 
— snuffs candle ivith fingers, & mutters— 

I hope he'll bring, not send the money— the mouse 
trap is open, and the cats will be here. ( Pause, then 
Knock. Thenadier opens door , ) Enter my be- 
nefactor ! Madeleine Enters. Madame appears 
at door, Then, beckons her off. 

Mad. (cheerfully) Here is the money* for your rent. 

Then. May Heaven repay you, my generous bene- 
factor. ( offers chair ) 

Mad. ( sitting ) Now tell me— -what has brought 
jou to this misery. ( MUSIG ) 

Enter Montparnasse, Rignolle, & Babet, masked. 

Then. My dear protector, we were obliged to sell 
.everything — everything, but this Picture! ( gets 
sign-board. Madeleine looks round, <£ starts ) 

Mad. Who are these men ? 

Then. Take no heed of them, they live in the house 
— I was saying, I had a valuable picture left — look — 
( holds sign on table ) What value do you set on it ? 

Mad. It is some pot-house sign, and worth about 3 frs. 

Then. Have you got your pocket-book about you ? 
— for I shall be satisfied with a thousand francs I — 
( Madeleine rises, & makes for door— Men stand 
before it. Picture, ) That is not the point — do you 
recognize me ? (thumps on table, & takes off eye-patch) 
My name is not Fabanteau, or Jondrette — my name is 
Thenadier, landlord of the Inn at Montfermiel— nnow 
i do you remember me ? 

Mad. ( quietly ) No more than before ! 

Then. Oh, I suppose it was'nt you, who carried off 
Fantine's child — you got a girl for 2000 frs. who would 
have been an annuity to me — and when I honestly as- 
ked for more, you broke my head ! It was your turn 
tthen ; now, I'll have my revenge ! 

Mad. You take me for someone else. 

Then. What — you don't see who I am? 



t n J 

Mad. Pardon me — I see you are a robber ! 
The Men advance— Madeleine seizes chair — Picture. 

Then. ( taking knife ) Leave him to me — let us 
settle this business amicably, (rood heavens ! — I don't 
wish to ruin you — I will be satisfied with two thousand 
francs — mind, not a sou less. 

Mad. I have'nt that sum about me. 

Then. Then write as I dictate. Here, you ugly ruf- 
fian, hand us that pen and ink. ( Mont, does so ) 

Mad. ( aside ) The window barred — the door 
guarded — no escape — no hope. 

Then. Now. 'My dear daughter.' ( Mad. hesita- 
tes, TJien. menaces with knife ) 'Come to me at once 
with the bearer of this — come in perfect confidence.' — 
sign it — ( he does so ) What do you call yourself 
now ? — ( looks at paper ) — Ah, all right — ( putting- 
it back, & pointing with knife ) Now the address. 

Mad. I'll die sooner ! Throws down pen, seizes 
Knife, & stands on the defensive — Picture. 

Cowards — my life is not worth the trouble to defend 

— but, think not you form a barrier to my passage hence 

— Stand from the door ! Mont, who has crept round 

unperceived, now seizes Knife, at the same time 

the 2 Men rush on him — desperate struggle — - 

Madeleine finally bound to post. 

Then. ( during struggle ) Take the knife — cut his 
throat — are you afraid of one man ? ( after struggle ) 
Let us settle this business amicably- -(rood heavens,, 
you don't fchink we wish to injure you ? — we will be sa- 
tisfied with three thousand francs — here, you exorbitant 
scoundrels, you'll be satisfied with 3000 frs. eh ? 
Mad. Thenadier, rushes in, breathless. 

Mad. T. The police— Javert— Cut ! 

They all rush to trap, & endeavour to escape. 

Then. Ladies first ! Escapes by trap. 

Each man trys to escape first, at last Mont, says 
'Let's cast lots, who goes first' — 
Jaw/eh^ Serjeant, & Gendarmes, force their way in, 



r 62 ] 

Jav. Allow me to hold the hat ! ( Picture ) 

Omnes Javert! 

Mad. Javert here — lost — lost — 

Jav. You are five — we are ten — it's useless opposing 
us — away with them ! 

Mad. T. Oh, my poor children ! 

Mont. Let's have my baccy, and I'll go quietly 1 
Exeunt with Serjeant, & Gendarmes. 

Jav. ( untying Madeleine's cords ) I am sorry you 
should have follen into such hands — -I have long wait- 
ed for the opportunity of securing these ruffians — ( as 
he unties cord at neck, he slowly recognizes Mad. ) By 
HeaveD — I've got him ! Jean Valjean, you escaped me 
at Arras — you were thought dead — you live — and I've 
got you ! No power on earth shall tear you from me 
now 1 Goes to door. During the foregoing, CHAMP- 
mathieu, has appeared on opposite house-top. 

Champ. I'll swear it's him — he stood up for me — and 

I'll see that no harm comes to him ! ( extends ladder 

from roof to window, climbs across, <£ gives Pistol. 

Take this, from a friend ! Slides bach, & disappears 

with ladder. Javert turns, Madeleine presents 

pistol — Picture. 

Mad. M. Javert — I will use no weapon against your 
authority — -I am your prisoner— but, be merciful — take 
my life — kill me at once ! ( puts pistol on table ) 

Jav. ( takes pistol ) Take your life, and you spare 
mine — Umph— No, I'd rather be shot by you ! I give 
you one more chance of life — but, beware, when we meet 
again, it will be — man to man ; but authority against 
crime ! Opens door, but is beaten back by Flames— 
Ah, what's this ? ( holds door ) 

Mad. We are shut in here to be burnt alive 1 

Jav. ( rushes to window ) Barred ! — have you — 

Mad. I — am I not here to share your danger ? — I will 
help your escape— follow me ! Gets through roof, & 
hangs over precipice — Jav. follows, but the roof falls 
in— Great conflagration, as ACT DROP FALLS. 



ACT FOUETH. 

SCENE. Splendid DRAWING-ROOM— Rich 
Curtains — Chandeliers — Flowers— Carpet 
MUSIC behind — Ladies & Gentlemen -pro- 
menading, &c. 

Thenadier, disguised, comes down C. 

Then. ( "imping green spectacles ) Magnificent — 
Keally they do these things well in France — Flowers 

— Lights — Music Charming women — Thenadier 

feels thoroughly at home. It was a lucky chance, I 
saw him in the carriage- -I followed him here, and on 
inquiry I found that my fine convict was about to give 
our Lark, in marriage, to young Marius; whose father's 
forfeited title of Baron Pontmercy, has just been res- 
tored to him. So — he would buy his way into a noble 
family — He has escaped me twice — once at Montfer- 
miel — then, from the trap I so nicely laid for him — 
how he escaped from the burning house, where Javert 
perished, is a mystery to me : — Well done my man — 
tough work my rat — you have worked admirably out 
of your hole, only to have your tail bitten at last. It 
is imperative I should leave the country. ( walking 
about with hands in pockets ) So, having got in by 
a stolen card — the next thing, is to pluck my pigeon 
— then, get out ! 

G-illenormand ( outside ) Throw the doors wide 
open — Monsieur, and Mademoiselle Leblanc will soon 
be here ! ( Enter C. ) Certainly, everything has been 
managed beautifully. 

Then. ( bowing ) Have I the honour of addressing 
Monsieur G-illenormand ? 

Gil. You have, sir. 

Then. My name is Fabanteau — I will plunge at once 
Into my business — Ihave a friend who has a secret to sell. 



L 64 J 

G-il. Sir, — I never trade in the business of others ! 
If the secret be mine, it is not worth that { snaps fin- 
gers ) — if anothers, / have no right to buy it ; and I 
hold in natural contempt, the man who could make 
such a proposal ! 

Then. Ahem ! — The secret affects the honour, and 
fortune of the Baron Pontmercy, and Mademoiselle Le- 
blanc, whom to-morrow he espouses — It is an extraor- 
dinary secret — I offer it to you first — cheap — 10,000 frs. 

G-IL. If the secret is M. and Mademoiselle Leblanc'g 
why not offer it to them ? — they must be the best jud- 
ges of it's value. 

Then. I thought of that — but my friend is acute- 
he knows that M. Leblanc has settled everything he 
has on Mademoiselle — he would show his empty poc- 
kets — No, he prefers you, who have everything, to him 
who has nothing. 

Gil. And, with profound thanks for the magnani- 
mous preference, I refuse to have dealings with such a 
cowardly scamp ! 

Then. My dear sir, it is exactly what I said — but I 
made a promise on the altar of friendship, and I've kept 
my word. ( bowing ) 

Gil. ( bowing ) The purity of your motives, can- 
not be doubted ! 

Then. Oh, — you do me justice ! I congratulate you 
on this marriage — a splendid example of a father-in- 
law — Mademoiselle charming — family good, eh ? — Oh, 
family not good — ah ! 

G-il. Excuse me, sir — Next to the impertinence you 
honoured me with, just now — I consider your last the 
greatest ! You will oblige me by making your stay as 
brief as possible ; or, I shall have the sublime pleasure 
of having you kicked out — a process that might hurt 
your feelings, as well as your friends. 

Then. ( pulling on gloves ) A christian spirit, 
forgives even that ! — ( Gillenormand retires, & rings 
bell ) — But I shall stay, for all that — Courage, The- 



I fi5 J 

sadier— the itroke of luck must come to-night ; or, I 
shan't dine to-morrow— work brain, work — there is a 
way, and I must work it out ! Exit. R. 

Enter Marius, C. 

GriL. ( meeting Kirn ) My dear boy — I congratulate 
you — she's an angel— she ought to be a Marchioness t 
Have they not arrived ? 

Mari. Each moment I expect them. 

Gil. I shall have the old house full of jouthful voices, 
and bright faces, before I die — Ah, you rascal — you had 
only to run away from me to make me consent to any- 
thing. ( MUSIC outside ) 

Mari. Ah ! ; — See, they are coming— I must meet 
them ! Rums off— Enter Madeleine, Cosette, & 
Marius, surrounded by Guests. 

Madeleine occasionally looks round ner- 
vously — he is- pale & melancholy — his arm in a 
sling. 

GriL. Welcome — angelic daughter ! Friends, as 
many compliments as you please to the future Baroness 
Pontmercy — (' Music ) Hark — Come Marius, the first 
dance to you, the second to me — 

Cos. No, dear Monsieur — you first- — Marius after 
— and, for ever, (gives her hand to Marius, he hisses it) 

G-IL. Ha, ha, — you are determined to take all my 
heart : well, I'll allow you. Exeunt with Cosette, & Guests 

Mari. f looking after her ) She's an angel — I a- 
dore her — M. Leblanc — ( turns to Madeleine, who 
stands absorbed, R. C. Aside ) What is the influence 
this man has over me? — Kind, well-meaning ; but, cold 
— Oh, so cold'. Monsieur Leblanc — ( he turns, Ma- 
rius starts at his painful expression ) You suffer — 
your hand — 

Mad. I thank you, no. 

Mari. Cosette told me that your life has been a me- 
lancholy one — we will, now, make your happiness our 
soastant care — you shall live with us, and — 



r 66 j 

Mad. M. Marius — I have something to say to you* 
There is nothing- the matter with my hand, you see — 
I feigned the wound, in order not to commit a forgery 
to-day, that would render your marriage deed null and 
void to-morrow. ( leans for support against chair ) 
My conscience forbids a fraud — I must tell you — I— 
I am a Galley Slave ! 

Mari. ( s-inks in chair ) Menciful powers — you 
— Cosette's father — 

Mad. I am not her father ! 

Mari. Ah — who proves it ? 

Mad. I say it ! Ten years ago, I did not know Co- 
sette existed— she was an orphan — so, I came to love 
her as my own child ! 

Mari. But, why do you betray yourself ? 

Mad. Baron Pontmercy — from the time I cast off 
'black thoughts, and the spirit of perdition,' — I became 
an honest man ! By degrading myself in your eyes, I 
raise myself in my own — and, ( looking up ) in the 
eyes of that good man, to whom I owe the proud fee- 
ling, that makes me say indeed, an honest man ! (tou- 
ches heart) I once stole a loaf, in order to live — I will 
not now, steal a name, to become a living lie ! No, to- 
day she leaves my life; and, we separate for ever. 

Mari. Best assured, I will never — 

Mad. Now sir, imagine — Suppose I had not told you 
— suppose I took my place in your family — we are to- 
gether, and you believe me your equal — one day, we 
are talking and laughing, and you hear a voice call Jean 
Valjean — and then, that fearful hand, the Police, rises 
from the shadow, and suddenly tears off the mask — No 
— no— It is better to bleed, suffer, weep — tear one's 
flesh in solitude, than live in such suspense and terror ! 
( buries his face on table ) 

Mari. ( rising ) Unhappy man — I know not whe- 
ther to praise, pity, or condemn you — What you have 
told me, horrifies me — I — I have nothing more to say 
but that you have decided wisely — You and Cosette 



L 67 j 

must separate for ever ! (Madeleine groans — Markis 
goes to back ) What will you do now ? 

Mad. I am an outcast — a wretched, condemned man 
— never heed what becomes of me — I'll never trouble 
you — no — never ! {moves, withheadboweddown,toG.) 
Enter Cosette. G. 

Cos. ( bright, & cheerful ) You are talking politics 
— how stupid that is, instead of being with me. Shall 
I shut these people out, Marius ? ( closes Curtains ) 
— I only want you two, of the whole world ! How oddly 
you look, papa ; you don't seem to want me here. ( to 
Marius, L. ) Now, did you ever see a father like that ? 
--Come, kiss me at once! 

Mari. ( taking her away ) Cosette — Cosette — 

Cos. You are pale — does your arm — 

Mari. His arm is well. 

Cos. Quite well ? — You are sad then ? 

Mad. Never, when you are near ! 

Cos. Then, if you are well, and happy, kiss me and 
smile, papa ! 

Mart. No, Cosette ! 

Cos. What is the matter ? 

Mari. It — it is business* 

Cos. Business ! — That's just what M. Glllenormand 
said, when he left me — 'business', with the Prefect of 
Police — ( they both start, she observes them ) You 
make me tremble — Oh, it's cruel to frighten me— Papa 
are you angry with me, because I am so happy ? ( she 
kneels before Madeleine, who is seated R. ) 

Mad. Angry ! — Ah, Cosette — ( much affected ) Re- 
proach you with your happiness — It was my pledge to 
your dying mother — it was the oath which brought to 
her dead lips the smile of an angel's happiness — tell me 
Cosette, have I kept my vow ? — have I made your 
young life happy ? 

Cos. You know you have ! ( he kisses her ) 

Mari. Enough, sir — the work is divine, adorable ; 



[ 68 J 

but, Heaven has chosen a strange instrument. 

Cos. What does it all mean ? 

Mari. It means, Cosette, that you must leave that 
man, for ever. 

Cos. (proudly ) Man ! — He is my Father ! 

Mari. He is not your father — unless he can lie, as 
well as — 

Mad. ( checking him ) No, no ! 

Mari. Cosette, I am sorry to offlict you ; but, the 
man you call your father, is a — 

Mad. Oh, Heaven ! — As you are merciful, spare me 
before her — I have strength enough for some things — 
but, not for that — no, not for that ! 

Mari. Cosette — my Cosette — you are too pure, and 
good, to associate with such a man. To-morrow you 
will be my wife ; and, in presenting you to my family 
and friends I must be proud of you — I will spare you 
the knowledge of what he is — but, you must choose 
between us. 

Cos. Choose! — Do yon know what 'this mart has 
done for me ? — Do you know that I was the wretched 
little Cosette of the Inn at Montfermiel — that I was in 
a horror of misery — blows, cold, hunger, and work — 
yes, work Marius, at five years old — beaten, starved, 
and crushed — Oh, I shudder at the thought of it — and 
that 'man,' as you call him, that man, came and saved 
me — spoke kind words, in the poor ears, which had 
known nothing but foul oaths, and brutal curses — -look- 
ed tenderly into the wild, devouring eyes of the half 
starved child — raised her — reared her — saved her — Oh 
when I think of what that man has done for me, I a- 
dore — I reverence — I could die for him ! (during this 
Madeleine rises ; at the end, they embrace ) 

Mad. My child — my Cosette ! Listen to me, and 
obey. You are young, and love each other — the old 
must yield up the place which was once all theirs — It 
is not right that I should weigh, and sink you down — ■ 



r go j 

IFsSalT not be lonely — I may see you sometimes — If I 

Snow you are happy, the joy would make me live for 

ever — Aye, love — 'till you grew tired of me and my 

white hairs — (Cosette sobs) Now, darling, now— stand 

from me — look on me as death — to him as life — and, 

choose between us ! ( Cosette, C. looks at both ) 

Cos. ( joyfully ) Death, father — Death with you ! 

They embrace. The Curtains are thrown 

open, & Gendarmes are posted at the entrances 

by Serjeant — Guests Enter dismayed — Gille- 

noemand, $ Thenadier, advance C. 

Then. Mighty well — Bravo — I'm sorry to spoil sport. 

Gil. Marius— this man, arrested under our roof, de- 
sired to be brought before M. Leblanc, as he has some- 
thing to relate, which will serve the ends of justice. 

Then. Yes. There is beneath this roof an ex 
©alley Slave ! 

Omnes. A Galley Slave ! 

Cos. ( clinging to Madeleine ) A Galley Slave ? 

Then. ( savagely ) Yes, Madame — your father, 
Jean Valjean! 

Cos. Slanderer — 'tis- false ! 

Then. Oh, — you've- found a spirit at last — you've 
lad a fine time of it since you left our tender care- - 
you think yourself safe — no, no — not while Thenadier 
can drag you from the fire side ! 

Mad. Wretch ! ( 2 Gens, advance to Mad. ) 

Cos. No, no — they must not take you from me. 

Marl Courage^ darling ! 'Ere I cross that thres- 
hold, again to be a Galley Slave, life would no longer 
vibrate in my veins — they would arrest a dead man. 

Gil. Jean Valjean alive ?— ( cross to Madeleine ) 
I am proud to meet you, sir— very — very — ( to Then- 
adier ) Now, my fine fellow, what have you got to say ? 

Then. I tell you, he is an ex Galley Slave — a rob- 
ISer, and an assassin — 

@mnes. Assassin ? 



[ *> J 

Then. Yes !— He set fire to the garret, where he had 
murdered Inspector Javert ! 

Enter Javert, G. 

Jav. Let me throw a clear light on that subject ! 

Omnes. Javert! ( Picture. ) 

Then. ( Aside ) Javert — then the game is over. 
( aloud ) Ha, ha — at least I shall not go alone — M. 
Jean Valjean will— 

Jav. ( C. ) Wait a moment. I have to thaDk you 
M. Thenadier, for intending to burn me alive ; and, 
this man for having saved me ! 

Then. Saved you !— Ah, but he is still the Convict, 
who has broken his ban — he is still Jean Valjean — 

Jav. A Pardoned man ! 

Cos. Oil. Mari. & Omnes. Pardoned ? 

Jav. Ten years ago — Jean Valjean was believed to 
be dead — so, the pardon was kept back — It is here — 
'twas obtained by the President of Arras, for his good 
services as Maire of Montruil! Release him. 

Gendarmes cross L. — Jean takes paper- 
Guests congratulate them — Serjeant, touches 
Thenadier on shoulder. 

Then. Oh, — Pray don't trouble yourself— the little 
affair for which you arrest me, is quite a mistake — I 
shall soon — 

Jav. Begone ! 

Then. M. Javert, I shall report you for unnecessary 
brutality — I make my adieux — Thenadier disappears 
from the scene — himself, as usual — Curse you all ! 
Exit, L. with Serjeant, & Gendarmes. 

G-il. (to Then.) Much obliged, sir — much obliged ! 

Jav. I have another document, M. Jean, a copy of 
your sister's marriage registry. 

Mad. Cosette — your mother. 

Cos. My mother? 

Jav. Yes, Mademoiselle—She was a good woman— 



L ft J 

a? martyr — but, your father was a bad man — I know 
that — be told your mother the marriage was a false one. 
Innocent — simple — heart-broken, she fled with her 
child, yourself Mademoiselle, and died in her brother's 
arms. Jean Valjean, have I atoned, my fault, at your 
sister's death ? ( Offers hand, Mad. takes it ) 

Marl ( coming downL.) Your noble life has met 
a Just reward — Can you pardon one, who saw not into 
the depths of your noble heart ? 

Mad. My children ! ( taking their hands ) You will 
not separate me from her now ? 

Marl ( shaking his hand ) No ! — No ! 

GriL. ( L. ) Separate ! Egad, if he dare, I'll disin- 
herit the rascal for outraging the laws of justice, and 
humanity ! Eh, Javert ? 

Jav. ( R. ) Eight, sir, right — Let humanity prevail 
— and, never forget, that 'Law is Law' ; and 'Justice, 
Justice' ; tho' they don't always mean the same thing I 

GriL. Ha, ha, ha ! 

Cos; Now smile papa. 

Mad. ( to Audience ) May I ? 

Cos. f advancing ) Say 'yes' — Oh, say 'yes' ! 

Mad*. Shall she be pleader ?. Woman's tender lips 

and eyes, 
Were made for such a task. Her love was given 
To; soothe the path, the wand'rer treads to Heaven. 
An angel she — Ah, shall she, then, plead in vain ? 

U&S~ No ! — Let your voice and hands* cheer 
Jean Valjean ! 

CURTAIN.. 



ill 



